Military leaders have been urged to anticipate emerging security threats and develop contingency plans for unexpected crises. Mr Thomas Svanikier, Guest of Honour at the 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Graduation Religious Service of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), made the call in Accra on Sunday.
Security Risks on the Rise
Mr Svanikier said the changing global security environment requires the Armed Forces to prepare for threats beyond conventional warfare, including cyber-attacks and natural disasters. He noted that threats could arise from cyber-attacks, floods, epidemics, earthquakes, and other disasters without warning.
Mr Svanikier, a businessman and Founder of Svani Group, emphasized the importance of intelligence-sharing and professional relationships with military counterparts in other African countries. He said closer cooperation was necessary to identify and neutralise threats before they destabilised countries.
Leadership in a Changing World
Mr Svanikier also cautioned commanders against allowing personal ego to prevent them from accepting ideas from subordinates. He said leadership required humility to recognise and use better ideas, regardless of where they came from. Mr Svanikier added that command should be regarded as a responsibility held in trust, rather than personal property.
He explained that authority was attached to an office and appointment, which were not permanent. Mr Svanikier asked the graduates to lead with humility, courage, integrity, and professionalism. He said their training and knowledge imposed a responsibility on them to serve humanity and leave a positive legacy.
A Call for Contingency Planning
Mr Svanikier cited his experience in the private sector, where contingency planning and rehearsals enabled his bank to operate remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said institutions should always consider what would happen if their normal systems failed. Mr Svanikier urged military and national institutions to develop and test alternative plans to ensure continuity during major crises.
The Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College was established in July 1976. It has been a vital institution in the training of military officers for professional service. The 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Graduation Religious Service marked a significant milestone in the College's history.
A Responsibility to Serve Humanity
Rev Commodore (Rtd) Paul Adjei-Djan, who delivered the Christian sermon, urged the graduating officers to demonstrate courage and build on the positive legacies of their predecessors. He drew lessons from the biblical account of Joshua's succession to Moses, saying the officers would soon assume command.
Rev Commodore Adjei-Djan said the history of GAFCSC represented a heritage built by successive generations of military officers and other personnel. He urged the graduates to preserve that heritage and improve upon it. Rev Commodore Adjei-Djan also advised the officers to remain humble and remember those whose sacrifices contributed to their success.
A Legacy of Service
Imam Captain Abubakar Mohammed Sharabutu, who delivered the Islamic sermon, identified purpose, sacrifice, and legacy as principles that should guide the officers. He said the anniversary theme reminded officers that their training was not only about acquiring qualifications, but also about discovering and fulfilling their purpose of serving God and humanity.
Imam Sharabutu said professional service often required individuals to sacrifice personal comfort to fulfil their responsibilities. He noted that the sacrifices involved in producing competent officers extended beyond the graduates, including instructors, facilitators, institutions, and their families.
Source: Joy Online
