Gov’t commits GH¢25m seed fund for Ghana Defence University project

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to establishing the Ghana Defence University, assuring the Military High Command that concrete and strategic steps are being taken to realise the project.

Speaking during a site inspection of the proposed location for the university, the Minister disclosed that the government, through the Ghana Education Trust Fund, is finalising modalities to secure sustainable funding and deliver the critical infrastructure required for the institution’s take-off.

He further revealed that GH¢25 million has been earmarked as seed funding under the 2026 GETFund formula to support the initial phase of the project.

Mr Iddrisu also indicated that efforts are underway to establish the necessary legal framework for the university. He noted that he is currently liaising with the Office of the Attorney-General to finalise a draft bill for submission to Parliament for consideration and approval.

Underscoring the importance of the initiative, the Minister described the Ghana Armed Forces as a beacon of discipline and professionalism.

“If there is any institution of the state that still holds the highest standards of professionalism, it is our military,” he stated.

He further recommended expanding the university’s academic scope to include emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, stressing the need to align military training with modern technological advancements and evolving global security trends.

The Minister was accompanied on the inspection tour by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, who commended him for his leadership and proactive role in advancing the project.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief of Defence Staff, William Agyapong, highlighted the broader significance of the proposed institution.

He noted that the university would not only serve the Ghana Armed Forces, “but will also provide professional training for other security agencies, including the Police Service, Prisons Service, and allied institutions within Ghana and across neighbouring countries.”

Once established, the Ghana Defence University is expected to serve as a centre of excellence in military education, research and strategic training, contributing significantly to national development, regional cooperation and enhanced security capacity.