Parliament Passes National Defence University Bill, 2026
Parliament has passed the National Defence University Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of the National Defence University to provide a unified framework for military education and strengthen defence and security training in Ghana.
The passage of the Bill creates the legal framework for bringing together key military training and academic institutions under a single degree-awarding university dedicated to defence and security studies.
The National Defence University is expected to serve as a premier centre of excellence for defence and security education, research, capacity building and policy development.
It will offer diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes to military personnel and civilians engaged in national security and defence in Ghana and across the African continent.
The Bill marks the culmination of years of efforts by the Ghana Armed Forces to establish a dedicated institution for higher learning in defence studies aimed at enhancing professional military education and strategic research.
Following a comprehensive assessment of the military’s educational institutions, academic programmes and physical infrastructure, the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) recommended that the President, through the Ministry of Education, grant the proposed university a Presidential Charter and register it under Section 26 of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).
The Presidential Charter will empower the National Defence University to independently award certificates, diplomas and degrees for programmes accredited by GTEC, providing internationally recognised qualifications for military personnel and civilian professionals in the defence and security sector.
In line with Section 29(1) of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023), the President subsequently directed the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command to establish the university.
The establishment of the National Defence University is expected to enhance professional military education, strengthen strategic research and policy development, and build the human resource capacity required to address emerging national, regional and global security challenges.
The university is also expected to position Ghana as a leading hub for defence and security education in Africa by providing advanced academic and professional training to both military and civilian personnel.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
