The Elsie Initiative, implemented by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), has significantly impacted the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), enhancing Ghana’s commendable standing for gender diversity in peacekeeping at the United Nations, Ghana’s Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) Lt Gen William Agyapong has stated.
This achievement, he noted, is evidenced by Ghana winning the UN Gender Advocate Award through two female officers on separate occasions.
Speaking during a familiarisation visit to the KAIPTC on Monday, June 16, 2025, Lt Gen Agyapong said that the inclusion of women and youth in peace and security discussions challenges traditional power structures and empowers them to be agents of change.
Specialised Training
The CDS observed that while KAIPTC’s capacity-building efforts have seen significant success at the operational and policy levels, there is a growing need for targeted training at the tactical and command levels. He further suggested that some existing courses be reviewed to reflect evolving tactical requirements, particularly for officers deployed at command levels.
Financial Challenges
A key challenge highlighted was the inadequate government funding to support KAIPTC’s peace and security capacity-building and research initiatives. Officials noted that the Centre’s operations, heavily reliant on donor funding, have been severely affected as such support continues to dwindle.
Lt Gen Agyapong acknowledged that financial constraints are a widespread issue across the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) commands he has visited. He assured that a detailed briefing would be submitted to the President of Ghana, emphasizing the need to support training institutions like KAIPTC.
“The Ghana Armed Forces hopes to be among the institutions receiving support under the government’s ‘Big Push’ agenda, in which case the Centre would be a priority for consideration,” the CDS stated.
He also referenced concerns raised by KAIPTC’s Advisory Council regarding the prudent use of funds, and urged the Centre’s management to address them. The GAF, he assured, remains committed to assisting in enhancing efficiency across all commands.
Increased Academic Offerings
The Dean of Academic Affairs at KAIPTC, Dr Kwaku Danso, in a presentation, emphasized the Centre’s recognition of the need for financial sustainability, which necessitates the expansion of academic programmes. He stated that academic offerings are becoming a crucial avenue for revenue generation, which will require expanding facilities and infrastructure.
Currently, KAIPTC is developing new programmes, including a Master of Arts in Electoral Policy and Security; and Development and Security, as well as an Executive MA in Gender, Peace, and Security. The Centre also plans to introduce specialised programmes for Members of Parliament and other institutions. There are additional plans to launch undergraduate programmes and diversify through distance education, with new campuses envisioned in selected cities in Ghana and internationally in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Nigeria.
Despite these expansion plans, Dr Danso reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to quality and community engagement.
“However, KAIPTC continues to face challenges, including limited lecture rooms, which restrict student enrolment. Additionally, funding constraints have led to the cancellation of some training programmes in 2024,” he noted.
He further disclosed that a six-storey academic block project, initiated in 2016, remains incomplete and would require financial support for rehabilitation and completion to serve as critical infrastructure.
Regional Security Outlook
A Consultant at the Centre, Prof Kwesi Anning, presented a regional security analysis, painting a grim picture of West Africa’s future due to what he described as a lack of political leadership and persistent intelligence failures by regional leaders. He stated that KAIPTC could help mitigate these challenges through its research and capacity-building initiatives if adequately resourced and supported by GAF and other national institutions.
Commandant’s Remarks
In his welcome remarks, the Acting Commandant, Air Commodore David Akrong, underscored the importance of the CDS’s visit, noting it offered the Centre a valuable opportunity to showcase its achievements and share its challenges.
He announced that KAIPTC would host this year’s Challenges Forum — a global peace operations event — in October. He appealed to the CDS to support the Centre’s request for a dedicated segment at the Forum to exhibit Ghana’s peacekeeping contributions and achievements over the past decade.
