Former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered the keynote presentation at the graduation lecture for participants of Course 33 at the National Defence College in Abuja, Nigeria. The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, and the Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral James Ohimai Okuson.
Akufo-Addo spoke on the topic “Strengthening Institutions for Good Governance in Africa,” highlighting the need for tighter oversight, digital transparency, inclusive nation-building, fiscal reform, active citizen participation, and stronger legal systems to foster inclusiveness and end state fragility.
The former President emphasized the importance of developing strong institutions in Africa, noting that the continent’s path to stronger institutions is multi-faceted, multi-layered, and multi-dimensional. He commended the National Defence College of Nigeria for its efforts in developing future strategic leaders equipped with the knowledge and analytical skills needed in a dynamic defence and security environment.
Akufo-Addo also reflected on his own experience in establishing Ghana’s College of Defence Studies, which was commissioned in 2023 to train senior-level personnel for key roles in national security and defence. He noted that he had granted the College a Presidential Charter in 2024, making it an autonomous National Defence University.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
