Parliament Passes Bill to Establish National Defence University for Ghana Armed Forces

Parliament has passed a landmark bill to establish a dedicated National Defence University for the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of the nation’s military. The bill now awaits presidential assent to become law.

The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, made the announcement on Monday, July 20, 2026, during the Government Accountability Series in Accra.

“It was a desire of the Ghana Armed Forces to have a National Defence University, and the bill has since been passed by Parliament and is awaiting the President’s assent,” the Minister stated.

A Hub for Military Excellence and Research

The proposed National Defence University is designed to serve as a premier institution for academic and professional military education, training, and strategic research for both the GAF and allied regional institutions.

Key details of the upcoming university include:

• Advanced Academic Programs: The institution will offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees specializing in defence studies, security, strategy, and leadership.

  

• Regional Strategic Positioning: The university aims to establish Ghana as a primary hub for higher military education and research across West Africa.

• Next Steps: Following presidential assent, the Ministry of Education will collaborate with the Ministry of Defence and the GAF leadership to operationalize the institution, set up its governing council, and recruit faculty.