Major Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon (Rtd), Director-General of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), has called for stronger inter-agency collaboration to address Ghana's evolving defence and security challenges. He stated that increasingly complex security threats require coordinated responses involving the military, various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), the civil service, and other important stakeholders.
Maj. Dr. Kuyon made this appeal at the opening of the 2026 Defence Management Course (DMC) at the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in Accra on July 14, 2026. He explained that contemporary security threats often cross institutional, political, and national borders, making cooperation essential for effective defence management. This perspective underlines the shift from traditional security approaches to more integrated strategies, a trend visible across many developing economies facing complex internal and external pressures.
This call for enhanced coordination reflects a broader national strategy to safeguard Ghana's stability and economic progress. Ghana's economy relies heavily on a secure environment to attract foreign investment and support domestic industries. Instability can disrupt supply chains, deter tourism, and increase government spending on security, potentially impacting the national budget. The government's continued investment in security infrastructure and capacity building, as evidenced by courses like the DMC, underscores its commitment to maintaining peace.
Major Dr. Joseph Bikanyi Kuyon emphasised, “Leadership and inter-agency collaboration are crucial in defence management issues.” He encouraged participants, which included military officers and civilian officials, to improve their understanding of how different government bodies and institutions work together to protect Ghana's national security and contribute to peace in West Africa. He further stated that effective defence management needs a multi-sector approach, involving both public and private sector institutions.
The push for greater collaboration suggests future policy reforms aimed at streamlining security operations and information sharing among various state actors. Decision-makers will likely monitor the practical implementation of these collaborative frameworks. Such initiatives are vital for Ghana's long-term goal of fostering a resilient and stable environment crucial for sustained economic growth and regional leadership.
The two-week Defence Management Course aims to provide military officers and civilian officials with a deeper understanding of defence policy within the larger framework of national and regional security. Participants will gain practical knowledge in policy implementation, how institutions coordinate, and the political direction of defence management. This program is expected to build stronger professional networks, enhancing Ghana's ability to respond to future security challenges effectively.