A senior officer in the Ghanaian Army, Major Patrick Peprah Obuobi (Dr), has recently achieved the remarkable feat of earning a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) degree in International Relations from the prestigious University of St Andrews in the United Kingdom.

This esteemed academic accomplishment reflects his dedication and fulfillment of the rigorous academic and research requirements necessary for such a high academic honour.

Established in 1413, the University of St Andrews stands as Scotland's oldest university and the third oldest in the United Kingdom. Renowned for its tradition of academic excellence, St Andrews surpassed even Oxford and Cambridge in the Guardian University Guide 2023, claiming the top spot among UK universities.

Additionally, in 2021, it achieved the highest ranking in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide, marking the first time in the 30-year history of league tables that a university other than Oxford or Cambridge claimed this honour.

Noteworthy alumni of St Andrews include the Prince of Wales, Prince William, and Kate Middleton, who first met at the university.

Dr. Obuobi's studies was funded by the highly prestigious and competitive British Government Commonwealth Scholarship Commission (CSC) Scheme, which is administered by the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO). Since its inception in 1960, this scheme has empowered over 30,000 talented scholars from the 56-nation Commonwealth to pursue higher education and contribute to sustainable development through their exceptional academic abilities.

As a serving officer of the Ghanaian Army, Major Obuobi was selected as part of the 2018 cohort to undertake his doctoral studies. His research focused on defence, intelligence, diplomacy, and conflict studies, with a particular emphasis on the politically divisive topic of United Nations (UN) peacekeeping intelligence.

His work aimed to address the complex challenges within the contemporary international security environment. This research aligns with the CSC's core theme of global peace, security, and governance, which seeks to develop knowledge and skills that strengthen peace and security to build resilient societies at various levels—national, regional, or international.

Before embarking on his PhD, Dr. Obuobi was awarded the British Government's Chevening Scholarship, also managed by the FCDO, to pursue a master's degree.

The Chevening Scholarship targets emerging leaders from around the world who possess professional experience, leadership qualities, and a passion for driving positive change.

He earned a Master of Arts degree in Intelligence and International Security with distinction from the War Studies Department at King's College London in 2016.

Dr. Obuobi's academic journey began at the Presbyterian Boys Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, where he received numerous awards, including recognition as the best student in mathematics and a certificate for outstanding performance in the 2003 West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) Examination. His academic excellence was also recognised during his junior high school at Base Workshop Basic School in Burma Camp, becoming the overall best student and the senior boys' prefect.

Inspired by his father, who served in the Ghanaian Airforce, Major Obuobi chose to pursue a military career and was commissioned as an Army Officer in 2006. During his training at the Ghana Military Academy (GMA), he received the prestigious Presidential Sword of Honour, awarded to the overall best graduating cadet, symbolising leadership, academic excellence, and exceptional performance.

Additionally, he also excelled in tactics and won the top prize for the best Commanding Officer’s research paper. Throughout his career, Dr. Obuobi has received numerous academic and professional accolades, consistently emerging as the top candidate in practical promotion examinations and junior officers' career course.

Driven by his pursuit of academic excellence, Dr. Obuobi obtained a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc) in Administration at the University of Ghana, graduating with First Class Honours and an impressive GPA of 3.8. As a scholar and researcher, he has actively sought to expand his research visibility and publications.

During his master's degree, his outstanding research paper on the oversight of Ghana's security and intelligence agencies was published in the highly respected International Journal of Intelligence and Counterintelligence.

Additionally, he has a forthcoming book chapter in the Routledge Studies in Intelligence titled Contemporary Intelligence in Africa, which explores the role of Ghana's intelligence agencies in counterterrorism, the fight against violent extremism, and radicalisation.

In 2011, as a Lieutenant, he completed a Military Intelligence Branch Officers course at the United States Army Intelligence School and Center of Excellence in Fort Huachuca, where he was inducted into the Military Intelligence Corps.

His professional service has included roles as the Assistant Director for Strategic Intelligence and Analysis, Assistant Director Operational Intelligence, and Intelligence Detachment Commander all at the Department of Defence Intelligence.

He also served as a training instructor and staff officer for over six years at the Jungle Warfare School (JWS) where he trained officers and men in counterinsurgency, conflict management, and military tactics.

During his time at JWS, he was a key facilitator and integral in the design of the corporate strategic engagement, management, and training. Some organisations that participated in this programme included the CAL Bank, Ghana Airport Company Ltd (GACL), the then Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI), MTN Ghana, MTN Soccer Academy, Vodafone, Joy FM, and the Multimedia Group.

Throughout his career, Dr. Obuobi has actively contributed to several UN peacekeeping operations, including missions in La Cote D'Ivoire, Lebanon, Liberia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The attainment of a doctoral degree, considered the pinnacle of academic achievement, is expected to enhance Dr. Obuobi's professional contributions to the Ghanaian military, Ghana's broader defence and security agenda, and the realm of international peace and security.

This accomplishment holds particular significance in the current era of global uncertainty, where there is an increasing need to strengthen the professional capacity and competence of security professionals.

This aligns with the emerging global trend of cultivating "smart" soldiers—network-centric, intelligent individuals capable of operating in high-tech environments while possessing excellent professional skills and academic credentials.

When asked about his motivation for pursuing this academic path, Dr. Obuobi cited a quote by Austin L. Miller, displayed at the entrance of the Military Academy and Training Schools which read, "A man's flight through life is sustained by the power of his knowledge" (adopted from the United States Airforce Academy).

Inspired by this quote in 2006 when he was enlisted into the Ghana Military Academy, he embarked on a lifelong pursuit of academic knowledge. His graduation from the University of St. Andrews signifies the fulfillment of this lifelong dream.

Major Obuobi expressed deep gratitude to the British Government and the British High Commission in Accra for offering him the opportunity to obtain two highly competitive scholarships.

Furthermore, he acknowledged the support of the High Command of Ghana’s Armed Forces for embracing academic pursuits as part of his career progression. Committed to fulfilling the requirements of the scholarships, Dr. Obuobi is eager to utilise the knowledge he has acquired to shape research, policy and practice to strengthen Ghana's defence and security systems.

By joining the network of influential Commonwealth scholars and Chevening alumni, he aspires to become a change maker, locally and globally, in his professional and academic field.