By Jones Anlimah
The Third Cohort of the National College of Defence Studies (NCDS) has paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, as part of preparations for a research exercise on National Cohesion, Security and Sustainable Development.
The research forms part of the academic programme of the NCDS and will be conducted in four districts of the Volta Region including Ho West, Adaklu, Agotime-Ziope and South Dayi.
Speaking during the visit, Team Leader of the NCDS field research team, Brigadier General Eric Konadu, explained that the college undertakes annual research activities based on a selected theme that guides academic discussions throughout the year.
“So far the course has graduated two cohorts and this is the third cohort,” he said. “This year the theme for the course is National Cohesion, Security and Sustainable Development.”
Brig. Gen. Konadu noted that the findings from the fieldwork would contribute to policy formulation at the national level.
“We’re here to discuss with you how national cohesion, security and sustainable development is in this region and we will form here, we’ll write a report and the recommendations that we make, we send it to higher headquarters to guide policy for the country,” he stated.
He disclosed that the Volta Region team comprises 12 participants and eight faculty members, while another team is simultaneously conducting similar research in the Ashanti Region.
Receiving the delegation, Volta Regional Minister James Gunu welcomed the initiative and described the study as timely, particularly as the region seeks to position itself as a leading destination for investment.
“This research is going to help us particularly now that the region is becoming the best investment destination in the country,” he said.
Mr. Gunu commended the Ghana Armed Forces for promoting research and national development through the programme and emphasized the close relationship between national cohesion, security and development.
“National cohesion and security are twin brothers or perhaps twin sisters. Once you have national cohesion, you have peace, security, and then there can be sustainable development,” he noted.
According to the Minister, Ghana’s development agenda can only thrive in an environment of peace and unity.
“We need to sustain national cohesion so that security can equally be sustained, and then we’ll have sustainable development,” he added.
Mr. Gunu expressed confidence that the outcome of the study would provide valuable recommendations to support peacebuilding and development efforts in the region and across the country.
The National College of Defence Studies runs an 11-month programme that culminates in the award of a Master’s Degree in Strategic Studies and fellowship status for successful participants. As part of the programme, participants undertake both local and international research to compare findings and develop policy-relevant recommendations.
The Volta Region study is expected to generate insights into the linkages between national cohesion, security and sustainable development, with findings contributing to broader national policy discussions.
