Parliament has passed the National Defence University Bill, 2026, clearing the way for the establishment of a dedicated institution to consolidate and coordinate tertiary education programmes of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The proposed National Defence University is expected to become a centre of excellence for defence and security education, research, capacity building and policy development.
The university will offer diploma, undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes to military personnel as well as civilians involved in national security and defence-related fields in Ghana and across Africa.
The passage of the Bill follows years of efforts by the Ghana Armed Forces to establish a specialised higher education institution focused on defence studies.
For more than two decades, institutions including the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, the National College of Defence Studies and military health institutions have offered postgraduate programmes accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC).
However, these institutions have operated under mentorship arrangements with existing universities in Ghana.
Following a review of the military’s educational institutions, academic programmes and infrastructure, GTEC recommended that the proposed university be granted a Presidential Charter and registered under Section 26 of the Education Regulatory Bodies Act, 2020 (Act 1023).
The charter will empower the National Defence University to independently award certificates, diplomas and degrees for programmes accredited by GTEC.
President subsequently directed the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command, in line with Section 29(1) of Act 1023, to establish the university.
Presenting its report to Parliament, the Joint Committee on Defence and Interior described the Bill as a major step towards strengthening defence and security education in Ghana.
“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.
The Committee said the legislation provides a legal and administrative framework to merge existing military educational institutions into a world-class university capable of supporting national security and regional stability.
“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,” it said.
The Committee further noted that the university would preserve the unique nature of military education while maintaining high standards of 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.
Parliament subsequently adopted the Committee’s report and passed the National Defence University Bill, 2026.
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