Accra, Ghana –: The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) on Friday, 22nd August, celebrated the graduation of its 2025 cohort, marking a significant milestone in regional military education and leadership development. The ceremony, held at the College’s Hamidu Hall, recognized the successful completion of the Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC 46) and its associated postgraduate programs.
A total of 97 officers graduated from the SCSC 46 program, which included 67 officers from the Ghana Armed Forces and 30 allied officers representing fifteen African countries. The event also saw the conferment of postgraduate degrees, with thirty-six students receiving a Master of Science in Defence and International Politics, and seven officers awarded a Master of Science in Defence and Security Studies. These qualifications underscore GAFCSC’s growing academic relevance and its contribution to shaping military and security governance across the continent.
Among the 30 allied officers was Sierra Leone’s Major Saidu Dinieh Kargbo (SL1083-RSLAF), who represented the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces. His participation in the program highlights Sierra Leone’s commitment to building capacity and professional expertise within its military.
High Commissioner of the Sierra Leone High Commission in Ghana, Mohamed Hassan Kaisamba, attended the ceremony to show support for Major Kargbo and the other graduands. In his remarks, H.E. Kaisamba congratulated Major Kargbo on his determination and resilience throughout the rigorous program. He encouraged the officer to apply the knowledge and skills acquired during the course to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Sierra Leone Armed Forces and contribute meaningfully to national security initiatives.
The graduation ceremony was also addressed by the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana and Chairperson of the Armed Forces Council, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. She commended all graduands for their dedication and adaptability throughout the intensive program. The Vice President emphasized that the contemporary security environment—marked by terrorism, climate change, and evolving geopolitical alliances—requires officers to possess strategic foresight, professional excellence, and collaborative capabilities. She urged the graduands to use the insights gained to promote peace, stability, and sustainable development across the African continent.
Brigadier General Jackson Wonje, Acting Commandant of GAFCSC, provided an overview of the course, noting its rigorous focus on command, staff, and leadership responsibilities. The training emphasized joint, combined, and multi-agency operations, equipping officers with skills essential for modern military challenges. Brigadier General Wonje also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and partnerships with allied institutions, which enhance operational knowledge and foster a shared understanding of regional security priorities.
He further acknowledged infrastructural upgrades at the College, supported by the Ghana Education Trust Fund, aimed at transforming GAFCSC into a modern, technology-driven Centre of Excellence. The course, which commenced on 13th September 2024, demanded high levels of discipline and performance from all participants. Brigadier General Wonje urged the graduands to implement the lessons learned as they return to their respective countries, ensuring the practical application of their training in real-world operations.
Major Saidu Dinieh Kargbo now joins a growing cadre of Sierra Leonean military personnel who have benefitted from international training opportunities, reinforcing the country’s commitment to professionalizing its armed forces. The High Commissioner expressed confidence that Major Kargbo’s achievements will inspire fellow officers and contribute to the development of Sierra Leone’s national defense and security apparatus.
The graduation of SCSC 46 represents not only individual accomplishments but also the strengthening of military cooperation across Africa, fostering unity, knowledge exchange, and collective readiness to face shared security challenges.
Princetta Williams
Information Attaché
SLHC Accra
