GAFCSC HOLDS REPUBLIC DAY PUBLIC LECTURE
The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), in collaboration with the One Ghana Movement, held the second edition of the Republic Day Public Lecture on Thursday, 3 July 2025, at Hamidu Hall, GAFCSC, Teshie.
The event which was held under the theme: “ECOWAS and Its Survival: Impact of the Alliance of the Sahelian States and the Way Forward“ had His Excellency General Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as the Keynote Speaker.
It was chaired by Dr Mohammed Ibn Chambas, former Head of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahael with Dr Edward Omane Boamah, the Minister for Defence as the Guest of Honour.
The Guest Speaker, His Excellency General Chief Olusegun Mathew Okikiola Aremu Obasanjo delivered a lecture on the team. The location for the lecture was significance as it was in the in Teshie that where H. E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo began his military career as part Intake 10 of the Regular Officers Special Training School (ROSTS 10).
H. E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo congratulated the government and people of Ghana and reflected on the progress and challenges facing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established in 1975 to advance regional integration, economic cooperation and development.
H. E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo praised ECOWAS for its early achievements, particularly its peacekeeping efforts through ECOMOG in nations like Liberia and Sierra Leone. However, he voiced concern over the current state of the region, pointing to the withdrawal of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger to form the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), along with increasing terrorism, political instability, and economic difficulties, as serious threats to regional unity.
H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo observed that ECOWAS’ evolution from focusing on economic integration to prioritising political governance and security, though valuable in some cases, has also revealed institutional shortcomings in handling internal conflicts and defiance by member countries. He emphasised the importance of better enforcement of ECOWAS protocols, increased transparency and stronger governance systems.
H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo cautioned against youth frustration and the potential for military conflict in the region. He urged leaders to steer away from confrontation and reliance on external powers, and instead, renew their commitment to dialogue, peace and regional unity. He underscored that West Africa’s future hinges on effective leadership and collective effort.
The Chairman for the event, HE Dr IBN Chambas in his speech addressed the ongoing crisis in the sahel region,primarily driven by conflicts exacerbated by the political instability. He mentioned that the situation has sparkled discussions on democracy,political transitions, and citizen involvement, highlighting a broader crisis in the sahel.
He further advocated for unity, self-reliance and enhanced cooperation among ECOWAS member states,stressing the importance of collaboration, free movement, trade and investment which underscores the necessity of infrastructure development, particularly cross- border system,to promote regional stability and economic growth
The Acting Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Jackson Wonje, extended a heartfelt welcome to attendees to the Republic Day Public Lecture. He pointed to the establishment of the Sahelian alliance as a critical development affecting both regional security and the unity of ECOWAS.
The Acting Commandant reiterated the College’s strong commitment to serving as a hub for dialogue on peace and security within the region. Expressing confidence in the wide-ranging expertise of the participants, he noted that their perspectives would play a key role in addressing the complex issues facing ECOWAS. He emphasised the need for joint efforts and expressed anticipation for rich and engaging discussions throughout the lecture.
By: LAC Dakudji Majorie & Ms Lily Gadugah