The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) held its 15th Joint Graduation Ceremony, reaffirming its commitment to developing ethical and highly skilled peace and security professionals to address Africa’s evolving security challenges.
The ceremony celebrated graduates from the Centre’s postgraduate programmes in Conflict, Peace and Securityand Gender, Peace and Security. It was held under the theme, “Between Intention, Inaction and Impact: The Double-Edged Nature of State Posture,” highlighting the importance of governance, leadership, and the impact of state action and inaction in promoting peace and security.
The Guest Speaker, Justice Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, Justice of the Supreme Court of Ghana, challenged graduates to apply their knowledge to address evolving security threats, including violent extremism, geopolitical competition and emerging military technologies
She emphasized that sustainable peace requires greater investment in diplomacy, mediation and preventive action, while warning that the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel poses increasing risks to coastal West African states. In his welcome address, the Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshal David A. Akrong, congratulated the graduating class for their resilience and determination in successfully completing their programmes despite balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities and personal challenges.
He reminded the graduates that integrity remains the foundation of effective leadership and urged them to uphold the values of professionalism, ethical conduct and dedicated service throughout their careers.
Air Vice Marshal Akrong noted that while academic qualifications would create opportunities, it is character and integrity that ultimately determine long-term success. He encouraged the graduates to preserve the professional networks established during their studies and to become ambassadors of peace, justice and responsible leadership across Africa. Delivering the valedictory address, Ms Elsie Adwoa Adutwumwaa Boateng reflected on the sacrifices, perseverance and determination that defined the journey of the graduating class. She encouraged her colleagues to translate the knowledge acquired at KAIPTC into meaningful action, reminding them that peace is built through justice, human dignity and service to society.
Ms Elsie Adwoa Adutwumwaa Boateng capped an outstanding academic performance by emerging as the Best Graduating Student in the Master of Arts in Gender, Peace and Security programme and was also honoured as the Valedictorian of the Class of 2026.
The ceremony also recognised outstanding academic achievement across the Centre’s postgraduate programmes. Mr Desmond Ofosuhene was named Best Graduating Student in the Master of Arts in Conflict, Peace and Security programme, while Mrs Yvonne Ofosua Yirenkyi received the award as Best Graduating Student in the Executive Master of Arts in Conflict, Peace and Security programme.