The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) has welcomed the sixth cohort of officers admitted to its Master of Arts in Peace, Security and Intelligence Management (MPSI) programme. A pre-academic orientation held on Thursday, 8 October 2026, at the National Security Secretariat in Accra brought together 32 officers from National Security agencies and allied organisations.
The session introduced the students to the programme structure, academic requirements, administrative procedures and support services available to them as they begin their one-year postgraduate studies.
Welcoming the officers, the Vice-Chancellor, Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, congratulated them on their selection by their respective institutions and successful admission to UPSA.
He said the programme reflected the University’s commitment to strengthening professional capacity and equipping practitioners with knowledge and skills relevant to national development. He urged the officers to approach their studies with discipline and purpose, recognising the opportunity to enhance their contribution to society.
“Perceive this programme as a conduit not to help yourself but as an opportunity to build your capacity and make an impact on society,” Prof Mawutor said.
The Vice-Chancellor reaffirmed the importance UPSA attached to its partnership with the National Security Secretariat and commended Major General Emmanuel Kotia (Rtd) for his contribution to the development of the MPSI programme.
The Deputy National Security Coordinator in charge of Operations, Major General William Azure Ayamdo (Rtd), emphasised the need for security personnel to develop the knowledge and expertise required to respond effectively to an increasingly complex security environment.
He encouraged the officers to apply their learning to their professional responsibilities and disclosed that work was ongoing to provide a permanent campus for personnel pursuing the programme.
The Dean of the School of Graduate Studies, Dr Michael Mickson, introduced the students to the University’s organisational structure, approved communication channels and available academic support. He encouraged them to make full use of the University’s resources, seek assistance when needed and comply with its rules and regulations.
The Deputy Director of Academic Affairs, Mr Denis Attuquayefio, outlined key academic and administrative procedures, including course registration, teaching and learning, examinations, the grading system and programme deferment.
Also present were the Director of Human Resources, ACP Benjamin Kwasi Agordzo (Rtd), PhD; Major General Emmanuel Kotia (Rtd); and Mr Yaro Kasambata, Coordinator of the MPSI programme.
The orientation prepared the officers for the academic expectations of postgraduate study, reinforcing the programme’s focus on developing professional capacity in peace, security and intelligence management.
