(Accra, 26th May 2025) – The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has received a significant boost to its digital capabilities with the handover of a second batch of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment.
The donation, which was handed by the ECOWAS representative, forms part of the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) Project and is co-financed by the German Government and the European Union (EU), follows an initial delivery of ICT tools to the Centre in 2024. The new equipment—including a live-streaming set, camcorder, receivers, wall mounts, and TV stands—aims to enhance KAIPTC’s e-learning capabilities and expand its virtual engagements in peace support operations.
European Union
Speaking at the presentation, the Head of the European Union Delegation to Ghana, Massimo Mina, said that the delivery is part of a €27 million EPSAO project funded by the EU and Germany, and implemented by GIZ. He noted that the equipment will enhance training capabilities in areas such as youth, gender, security sector reform, early warning, and elections.
Mr. Mina also highlighted the EU’s strong bilateral partnerships, noting that Ghana is home to over 30 EU-supported security-related initiatives, ranging from conflict prevention to cybersecurity and counter-terrorism.
“In an increasingly interconnected world, where conflicts transcend borders more than ever before, the importance of robust e-learning platforms cannot be overstated,” Mr. Mina said.
He further emphasized that this comprehensive support spans the entire security spectrum, including conflict prevention, border management, maritime security, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity, transnational organized crime (TOC), community policing, and combating disinformation.
Capacity building, he stressed, remains crucial for regional security and paves the way for a more stable and prosperous future for West Africa.
“The European Union believes in African-led solutions as the best answer to the current security challenges facing West Africa,” he stated, adding, “Hence, our support also includes the delivery of a package of critical military equipment worth €50 million to further strengthen our partnership with Ghana in the years to come.”
Germany
Policy Advisor at the German Embassy in Ghana, Chantel Lahmer, in her remarks, underscored the importance of the donation, emphasizing that the ICT tools provided are not just technical assets.
“I see them as enablers of dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and long-term capacity development in areas that lie at the heart of our collective priorities such as democratic governance, human rights, gender equality, and conflict prevention,” Ms. Lahmer said.
She emphasized that this support directly contributes to strengthening cooperation between Training Centres of Excellence and their digital transformation under the new ECOWAS Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) programme.
“KAIPTC plays a central role in this regard, offering high-quality training to civilian, police, and military actors, and thereby shaping the future of peacekeeping in the region,” Ms. Lahmer added.
ECOWAS
The ECOWAS Resident Representative to Ghana, Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, said that the need for ICT equipment was identified in a 2019 training needs assessment conducted jointly by the ECOWAS Commission and its Training Centres of Excellence. He expressed gratification that the requested items have now been procured and handed over—especially as ECOWAS marks its 50th Anniversary.
He reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to strengthening the capacities of its Training Centres of Excellence, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of its peace support operations.
KAIPTC
The Acting Commandant of the KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, in his welcome remarks, emphasized that the presentation was a testament to the continued collaboration, commitment, and shared vision of the German Government, GIZ, and other relevant partners supporting the Centre.
He affirmed that the equipment would be strategically deployed to broaden the Centre’s e-learning outreach across the sub-region and the continent, contributing directly to the promotion of peace and security.
