A group of 32 selected security operatives from the Ministry of National Security and its allied agencies have participated in a pre-academic orientation programme, organised by the UPSA School of Graduate Studies.
The one-day orientation exercise marked the beginning of their journey as graduate students and the fourth cohort of the Master of Arts programme in Peace, Security, and Intelligence (MPSI) under the National Security-UPSA partnership.
The event, held at the National Security Headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, aimed to introduce the new graduate students to the academic rigours and expectations of the MPSI programme.
The Vice-Chancellor of UPSA, Professor Abednego F. O. Amartey, in his welcome address, congratulated the students on their selection and admission into the university.
He commended the National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah for the significant investment in the capacity-building of the ministry’s officials and operatives.
“The partnership between UPSA and the Ministry highlights a commitment to fostering a knowledgeable and skilled workforce capable of addressing contemporary security challenges,” Prof Amartey pointed out.
“So the essence of this programme is to provide the theoretical underpinning for the things that you do while equipping you with the right knowledge and skills.”
Prof Amartey in advising the students, introduced the concept of the 4Ps, urging them to be Present at lectures, Punctual, Participate actively, and Prepare for both opportunities and uncertainties.
“Adopting these principles,” he said, “will not only enhance your academic experience but also equip you with the resilience and adaptability needed in your professional lives.”
The National Security Minister, Albert Kan-Dapaah, echoed the Vice-Chancellor’s sentiments and urged the students to translate the theoretical knowledge they will acquire into practical skills that will benefit both the Ministry and the nation at large.
He stressed the importance of leveraging their academic experiences to enhance the strategic capabilities of the national security apparatus.
“The evolving nature of security threats demands that we continually upgrade our knowledge and skills,” the Minister noted.
“This programme is a crucial step in ensuring that our security personnel are equipped with the latest strategies and insights to safeguard our nation.”
The orientation programme featured various sessions designed to provide the students with a comprehensive overview of the academic and administrative aspects of their studies.
Faculty members from the School of Graduate Studies including the Dean, Professor Samuel Antwi conducted interactive sessions, outlining the School’s expectations, the channels of communication, and the support services available to students.
The Deputy Academic Affairs Director, Mr Denis Attuquayefio, engaged students on general academic issues, including course registration procedures, assessment methods, examination rules and regulations and a curriculum overview.
Other speakers included Major General Emmanuel Kotia (Senior Lecturer and National Coordinator of the Ghana Boundary Commission), Professor Emmanuel Selase Asamoah, Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Studies; and Mr Kasambata Yaro, MPSI Programme’s Coordinator.
