Thomas Svanikier Urges Military to Prepare for New Security Threats
GAFCSC graduates challenged to strengthen preparedness, intelligence sharing and leadership.
- Military urged to prepare for cyberattacks and disasters.
- Svanikier calls for stronger intelligence sharing.
- Graduates urged to lead with integrity and humility.
Military leaders have been urged to strengthen their preparedness to deal with emerging security threats, including cyberattacks, epidemics, floods and other unexpected crises.
Businessman and Founder of Svani Group, Thomas Svanikier, made the call at the 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Graduation Religious Service of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC) in Accra on Sunday.
He noted that although the military’s fundamental responsibility of protecting the country remains unchanged, the security environment has evolved beyond traditional warfare.
Mr Svanikier therefore urged military commanders to develop and regularly test contingency plans to ensure the Armed Forces can respond effectively when normal systems and operations are disrupted.
Strengthen Intelligence Sharing
He also called for stronger intelligence-sharing and professional collaboration among military institutions across Africa.
According to him, closer cooperation would help security agencies identify emerging threats early and take appropriate action before they escalate into major crises.
Mr Svanikier cited the contingency measures adopted by private sector institutions during the COVID-19 pandemic as an example of the importance of preparing for situations where normal operations become impossible.
Leadership and Professionalism
Turning his attention to leadership, Mr Svanikier cautioned military commanders against allowing personal ego to prevent them from listening to ideas and concerns from their subordinates.
“Leadership is therefore a blessing, a blessing which is held by you in trust. It’s never owned,” he said.
He encouraged the graduating officers to lead with humility, courage, integrity and professionalism, stressing that their positions come with a responsibility to serve and leave behind a positive legacy.
He further challenged the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College to continuously review its training programmes and preparedness strategies to keep pace with changes in the global security environment.
Mr Svanikier said military institutions must remain adaptable and prepared to respond to both conventional and emerging threats facing the country and the wider region.
