Former deputy Youth and Sports Minister Joseph Yamin has grabbed a Masters of Science in Defence and International Politics (MDIP) from the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC).

Mr Yamin proudly graduated with 45 others in the MDIP class of 2021 on August 20.

The former deputy minister told the Ghanalynk.com that the new academic feat has put him on the pedestal, where his is competent to share knowledge and expertise on security and international matters.

The graduation also saw the passing out of the Senior Command and Staff Course 42, who are mainly military officers drawn from the Ghana Armed Forces and armies of other sister African countries.

Gracing the the graduating ceremony was the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Alhaji Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, who presented the certificates and awards to the graduands.

Addressing the Members of the College Control Board, policy committe, academic board, staff and faculty members, graduands and invited guests, the Vice President made a commitment towards the completion of the College’s academic block, in order to enable it admits more students.

He also commended the College for having put in place high professional and academic standards to train military officers and civilians alike.

The Commandant of the College, Rear Admiral Moses Beick-Baffour on his part stated that GAFCSC was introducing new course in security, as an addition to the MDIP.

He added the Masters degree courses would be run alongside a PhD programme at the College, hence the need for the building and expansion project to be completed.

To the graduands, he charged that they become worthy ambassadors of the college by exhibiting unique characters that would promote the image of GAFCSC and development of their respective countries.

To the military officers, he said: “It is my firm conviction that after 11 months of study, you have appreciated the need to collaborate amongst our respective countries to work together for the good and safety of our citizens.

“We are Africans and the development of Africa should be our focus.”

Awards were picked by Major AM Alkali of the Nigerian Army, Major BY Basoglo, Ghana Army and Lt CDR OJ Ani, Nigerian Army.

On the civilian slot, Boakye Dankwah, an assistant policy analysis with the Ministry of National Security, Easter Fafa Tetteh, lawyer at the Baal Perazim Law consult, Nanyau Evermay Nyasha, counselor at the Zimbabwe Embassy, Michael Edwin Brefo and Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku.

They were awarded for their excellent academic performance as well as producing best Commandant’s paper and dissertation respectively.

By Adelaide Oforiwa Adimer