Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Harold Adlai Agyeman, is calling for a revamped approach to UN peacekeeping operations in Africa.
This shift, he said should be based on mutual respect and a closer working relationship with the African Union (AU) and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) like ECOWAS and SADC. These organizations, he stressed have demonstrated a willingness and capacity to deploy troops for enforcement operations, which are crucial for resolving these intractable conflicts.
Speaking at a public lecture organized by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) on Wednesday, March 20th, 2024, on the theme: “Ghana’s Tenure at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the Situation in the Sahel”, Ambassador Agyeman emphasized Ghana’s longstanding sense of responsibility to lead on critical African issues.
He stressed that currently, no issue is more critical than effectively responding to the threat of terrorism and insurgencies plaguing Africa, with the Sahel region at its epicenter. The Ambassador continued by highlighting the complexities of the Sahel region: its geographic location, harsh climate, and struggling economies, all contributing to mass displacement.
Ambassador Agyeman acknowledged some limitations during Ghana’s tenure but expressed overall satisfaction with the country’s influence in contributing effectively to addressing the threats of terrorism and insurgencies in the Sahel.
The Commandant of the KAIPTC Maj Gen Richard Addo Gyane in his welcome remarks emphasised the transformative role of the Centre in advancing peace and security in Africa. He stressed the Centre’s dedication to guiding students and participants towards choices that promote peace and stability, not just in Ghana but across Africa and the globe.
The lecture was moderated by Dr. Frederick Boamah, Research Fellow at the Legon Centre for International Affairs and Diplomacy (LECIAD).
