The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) has graduated its 83rd batch of Junior Staff Course (JSC) after their completion of the Defence and Security Studies Course.

The ceremony, held on Friday at the Hamidu Hall at  Teshie in Accra, saw the passing out of 76 officers of which 68 were from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), four from the Nigerian Armed Forces, three from the Bostwana DefenceForces, and one  from the Armed Forces of Liberia. A civilian employee of GAF Intelligence Unit also graduated.

Brigadier General Mike Akpatsu Junior (Rtd), the guest of honour, emphasised the importance of the course, which was to  broaden the knowledge of the young officers on security issues.

The course equipped them with skills to address problems and matters of both national and international importance, he said.

“There is no doubt that the knowledge you have gained will put you in a better position to appreciate and effectively manage the multidimensional challenges that you are bound to face in your careers,” Brig. Gen. Akpatsu Jnr said.

“As future commanders, you must be fully committed to problem-solving and respect the training of your personnel, administering them and providing them with the best welfare you can get.”

The retired commandant urged the young officers to utilise the current knowledge and skillset to contain terrorism and insecurity plaguing parts of the African continent and find more innovative ways of dealing with them.

“I urge you, as professional military officers, to always remain vigilant and well-prepared to effectively tackle any challenges you may face in your future endeavours,” he said. 

Awards were presented to Junior officers who excelled in the course, with Captain T.K. Oklu of the Ghana Army receiving the Overall Best  Student Award.

Flight Lieutenant K.O. Saani of the Nigerian Air Force received the Best Allied Student and Best Assistant Commandants Paper Awards,  while  Squadron Leader Karl Atsu Olagboye of the Ghana Air Force took the Evarad Award.