Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has underscored the importance of maintaining stability and upholding democratic principles as Ghana approaches its Presidential and Parliamentary elections in December.
His remarks came during the Joint Graduation Ceremony of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College Course 45 and the Master of Science in Defence and International Politics in Accra on August 23, 2024.
Dr Bawumia expressed deep concern about the increasing influence of misinformation and disinformation. He emphasized that these threats could not only destabilize the nation but also have a significant impact on our national security.
He urged all stakeholders, including the Military and other security agencies, to remain vigilant and discerning to prevent the spread of false and misleading information that could lead to unnecessary and potentially harmful actions.
“Our elections have always been free and fair, but they have faced security challenges in the past, sometimes resulting in fatalities,” Dr Bawumia noted.
“In this era of intense misinformation, it is crucial that you, the Armed Forces, continue to uphold professionalism and discipline.
These efforts are vital for maintaining domestic stability and safeguarding the security of the West African region.”
Dr Bawumia took a moment to praise the Ghana Armed Forces for their unwavering commitment to maintaining Ghana’s democratic integrity. He called on them to continue protecting the nation’s hard-earned reputation.
He also commended the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College for adapting its curriculum to address the evolving nature of global warfare and security threats.
Dr Bawumia highlighted the shift in security dynamics, noting that modern conflicts and threats have moved beyond traditional warfare to more complex and unpredictable forms. These include the use of advanced technology and tactics by extremist groups, cyber warfare, and the spread of misinformation through social media platforms.
He emphasized the importance of the Multi-Domain Operations module introduced in the College’s curriculum, which equips graduates with contemporary soldiering skills such as cyber defence, psychological operations, and data analysis. It also provides countermeasures against these emerging threats, including strategies to debunk misinformation and protect national security.
“The scope of warfare has changed dramatically,” Dr. Bawumia stated.
“Introducing the Multi-Domain Operations module is timely and crucial for providing graduates with the knowledge and skills needed to address contemporary security challenges effectively.”
He also encouraged the graduates, representing 17 countries, to leverage the knowledge and relationships they built during their training to enhance cooperation and security across Africa and beyond.
He emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts and joint operations in achieving national security objectives and advancing progress within their respective countries and institutions.
“I believe that the insights and relationships you have gained will be instrumental in your future roles,” Dr. Bawumia concluded.
“Use this knowledge to make a meaningful impact and contribute to the security and development of your countries and the continent as a whole.”
