CNS URGES PARTICIPANTS OF BATTALION COMMANDERS COURSE 6 TO EMBRACE ADAPTIVE LEADERSHIP

The Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing, has urged military officers to adopt adaptive, innovative, and people-centred leadership to address the country's changing security challenges effectively.

He made the call while delivering a lecture on the theme, “Leadership in a Complex Security Environment: A New Approach to Military Leadership in the Ghana Armed Forces,” to participants of the Battalion Commanders’ Course 6 at Buchanan Hall, Army Combat Training School (ACTS), Teshie, on Tuesday 10 November 2026.

Rear Admiral Bessing noted that the changing nature of security threats required commanders to move beyond traditional leadership practices and develop the ability to think critically, make sound decisions, and respond effectively to complex situations. He explained that while command was backed by rank and authority, effective leadership depended on trust, credibility, and the ability to influence others towards a common goal.

He highlighted mission command as an important approach to modern military leadership, stressing the need for commanders to communicate their intent clearly, build confidence in their subordinates and allow them the initiative to make decisions within established operational guidelines. He added that leadership in today’s military environment required greater collaboration, flexibility, and shared responsibility.

Touching on emerging security threats, the CNS said that terrorism, violent extremism, piracy, human and drug trafficking, illegal fishing, cybercrime, oil theft, and information manipulation are some of the challenges confronting Ghana and the wider West African region. He also drew attention to the growing role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and data analytics, urging military leaders to understand and adapt to these developments.

Drawing on his experience in the military, Rear Admiral Bessing stressed that trust, integrity, leading by example and investing in personnel were central to effective leadership. He described personnel as the most valuable resource of the Armed Forces and urged commanders to pay attention to their professional development and welfare while upholding discipline, accountability, and professionalism.

He further identified adaptive leadership, mission command, jointness, institutional development and intellectual growth as essential to strengthening leadership within the Ghana Armed Forces. He emphasised that addressing future security threats would require closer cooperation among the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as other national and international security partners.

The CNS urged the officers to uphold the core military values of integrity, discipline, courage, professionalism, and selfless service as they prepare for greater responsibilities. He noted that a commander’s legacy should be measured not by rank or appointments held, but by the people developed, institutions strengthened and lasting contributions made to national security.

Story by: Rabiatu Dery

Photographs by: Ebenezer Adu-Saforo