Parliament has passed the National Defence University Bill, 2026, clearing the path for the establishment of a dedicated institution to consolidate and coordinate tertiary education programmes within the Ghana Armed Forces.
The proposed National Defence University is expected to become a leading centre for defence and security education, research, policy development and professional training. The institution will offer diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes to both military personnel and civilians involved in national security and defence-related fields in Ghana and across Africa.
The legislation follows years of efforts by the Ghana Armed Forces to create a specialised higher education institution focused on defence studies.
For more than 20 years, institutions including the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, the National College of Defence Studies and military health institutions have offered postgraduate programmes accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC). However, these programmes have operated through partnerships with existing universities.
After reviewing the military’s academic institutions, programmes and infrastructure, GTEC recommended the establishment of an independent university and advised that it be granted a Presidential Charter under the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).
The charter will allow the National Defence University to independently award certificates, diplomas and degrees for programmes accredited by GTEC.
Following the recommendation, the President directed the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command to proceed with the establishment of the university in line with legal requirements.
Presenting its report to Parliament, the Joint Committee described the Bill as an important step towards advancing defence and security education in Ghana.
The Committee said the legislation provides a legal and administrative framework for transforming existing military training institutions into a world-class university capable of supporting national security, regional stability, research and capacity development.
It further noted that the university would preserve the unique discipline and traditions of military education while maintaining high standards of academic governance and excellence.
With the passage of the Bill, the National Defence University is set to become a central institution for developing expertise in defence, security and strategic studies in Ghana and beyond.
Source: citinews
