Parliament has passed the National Defence University Bill, 2026, paving the way for the establishment of the National Defence University to consolidate and coordinate the tertiary education programmes of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The new 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 PhD programmes to both military personnel and civilians engaged in national security and defence in Ghana and across Africa.
The Bill follows years of efforts by the Ghana Armed Forces to establish a dedicated institution for higher learning in defence studies.
For more than two decades, the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, the National College of Defence Studies and the Military Health Institutions have been accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC) to offer postgraduate programmes.
However, they have operated under mentorship arrangements with established universities in Ghana.
Following a comprehensive review of the military’s educational institutions, academic programmes and physical facilities, 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 enable the National Defence University to independently award certificates, diplomas and degrees for programmes accredited by GTEC.
The President subsequently directed the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command, in accordance with Section 29(1) of Act 1023, to establish the university.
Presenting its report to Parliament, the Joint Committee described the Bill as a significant milestone in strengthening defence and security education in the country.
“The Joint Committee, having carefully considered the National Defence University Bill, 2026, is of the view that this Bill is a crucial step towards advancing tertiary education in the field of defence and security in Ghana,” the report stated.
According to the Committee, the legislation provides a strong legal and administrative framework for consolidating existing military institutions into a world-class university.
“It provides a robust legal and administrative framework for consolidating existing military institutions into a world-class University. This will enhance national security and regional stability through research, capacity building and policy development,” the Committee said.
The Committee further noted that the proposed university would maintain the distinctive character of military education while ensuring sound academic governance.
“The Joint Committee is satisfied that the Bill strikes an appropriate balance between preserving the unique character and discipline of military institutions while upholding the highest standards of academic excellence and governance,” the report added.
Following consideration of the Committee’s report, Parliament passed the National Defence University Bill, 2026.
