The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) has held its 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Graduation Religious Service for the Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) 47, the Master of Defence and International Politics (MDIP) and Master of Science in Security Studies (MSS) Classes of 2026 at Hamidu Hall, Teshie, on Sunday 16 August 2026.
The service was held under the theme "Fifty Years of Equipping Officers for Professional Service," taken from Ephesians 2:10, to give thanks to God for the College's 50 years of existence and contribution to professional military education.
The Guest of Honour, Mr Thomas Svanikier, Founder and Executive Chairman of Svani Group, congratulated GAFCSC on its 50th anniversary and commended its leadership, staff and predecessors for building an institution of academic and professional excellence. He reminded the graduates that leadership and command were responsibilities held in trust and urged them to lead with humility, courage, justice and professionalism while building on the legacies of their predecessors. Mr Svanikier also called for greater preparedness for emerging security threats, including cybersecurity, epidemics and natural disasters, stressing the need for strategic foresight, contingency planning, intelligence sharing and stronger cooperation among African countries. Quoting Micah 6:8, he encouraged the graduates to exercise leadership with justice, compassion and humility and expressed the hope that GAFCSC would develop into a globally recognised centre for professional military education over the next 50 years.
In his sermon, Commodore (Cdre) P. Adjei-Djan (Rtd) drew on the biblical account of Joshua to highlight purposeful leadership, sound decision-making and commitment to commander's intent. He encouraged the officers to analyse their missions, assess relevant factors, develop appropriate courses of action and make sound decisions as they assume future responsibilities. He further stressed the need to build on the good works of their predecessors, prioritise the welfare of subordinates and lead with courage, wisdom and strategic thinking. Drawing on Sun Tzu's The Art of War, he emphasised the value of strategy and intelligence over unnecessary use of force.
Captain M Abubakar, the Imam in his homily, urged the graduating officers to reflect on purpose, sacrifice and legacy, stressing that every individual is created with a purpose and should fulfil that purpose through service to Allah and humanity. He linked the College's establishment to the vision and sacrifices of its founders and acknowledged the contributions of instructors, facilitators, the institution and families. He encouraged the officers to become humble, approachable and servant leaders and to leave a positive legacy that would benefit generations yet unborn.
On his part, Ghanaian playwright, author and motivational speaker, Mr Ebo Whyte, further challenged the graduating officers to be conscious of the legacy they would leave for future generations, urging them not to create burdens for their children and grandchildren to inherit. Using a humorous story about a supposedly free meal whose bill had been left by the recipient's grandfather, he illustrated how present decisions can either create a debt for future generations or make life better for them. He cited environmental degradation through illegal mining as an example of a burden being left for future generations and urged the officers to use their positions to create conditions that would enable future generations to live with dignity. Mr Whyte commended the founders and successive leadership of GAFCSC for building an institution whose benefits are being enjoyed today and charged the graduating Class of 2026 to ensure that its legacy of excellence and professional service continues to benefit future generations.
The ceremony climaxed with the lighting of the Golden Jubilee Flame by the Commandant of GAFCSC, the Guest of Honour, a former Commandant, a representative of the current course and a representative of the clergy. The symbolic act represented the continuity of the College's 50-year legacy and the collective responsibility of successive generations to sustain and build upon its achievements.
By Cpl Dakudji O Majorie