A United Nations initiative aimed at strengthening the rule of law and institutional resilience across West Africa is underway, with Ghana selected as a key strategic partner.
During a visit to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), the Institutional Development Advisor from the UN Office of Rule of Law and Security Institutions (OROLSI), Ms. Mitch Dufresne, met with the Acting Commandant, Air Commodore David Akrong, and senior management to discuss the initiative’s direction and goals. She noted that the project, launched in 2023, marks a significant shift in UN strategy — moving “beyond crises and peacekeeping” to support comprehensive institutional development on a global scale.
The discussions focused on democratic transitions, governance, partnerships, and the rule of law — all identified by Ms. Dufresne as vital for the project’s success.
Ghana, she said, was deliberately chosen to host the project because of its strong track record within the UN system as a “flagship country” where initiatives tend to yield measurable impact. The project will prioritize the development of a national rule of law strategy while building regional networks across three core focus areas: promoting transparency, strengthening accountability, and combating corruption — all aimed at reinforcing institutional resilience.
The Acting Commandant, Air Commodore David Akrong during the discussions said Ghana is still doing its best as a country to continue to protect its fragile democracy, despite its challenges.
The Dean of Academic Affairs at the KAIPTC, Dr Kwaku Danso, shared Ghana’s own journey, highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening its institutions since its return to competitive politics in 1992.
