President John Dramani Mahama, acting in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, presided over the graduation ceremony of the latest cohort of military officers at Whistler Barracks on Friday, January 30.
The event, held at the Ranger Baba Square, marked the formal commissioning of cadets from the Regular Career Course 64 and the Short Service Commission/Special Duties Course 62. Upon his arrival, the President was received by high-ranking military officials and a guard of honor before commencing a formal review of the graduation parade, signifying the cadets’ transition into the officer corps following months of rigorous training.
Addressing the graduating class and the public, President Mahama reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a strong and resilient military despite current resource constraints. He noted that commissioning new officers during a period of economic limitation underscores the state’s resolve to safeguard national security.
The President warned that Ghana’s security environment has become increasingly complex, particularly citing the rise of non-state actors and the shift toward asymmetric warfare as factors that have reshaped global and local challenges.
The Commander-in-Chief specifically highlighted the volatile situation within the sub-region, pointing to violent extremism, terrorism, and trans-border crime as persistent threats concentrated along Ghana’s northern borders. He stressed that these evolving realities demand a well-coordinated response that extends beyond the capabilities of the armed forces alone.
President Mahama asserted that national security is a shared duty, calling upon citizens, communities, civil society organizations, and traditional leaders to collaborate with the government to protect the nation’s peace.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
