(Accra, Ghana – May 15, 2025) – The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in partnership with GIZ, held a successful Joint Operational Planning Workshop on Thursday, 15 May 2025, in Accra. The workshop brought together staff from KAIPTC, ECOWAS and GIZ to deliberate on strategic collaboration under the framework of the ECOWAS Peace, Security, and Governance (EPSG) Project, funded by the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The objective of the workshop was to explore practical avenues for enhanced cooperation among the ECOWAS Training Centres of Excellence (TCEs) and ECOWAS in implementing activities outlined in the recent Capacity Needs Assessment (CNA), conducted with support from the ECOWAS Peace, Security, Governance (EPSG) project. The CNA highlighted existing capacities, gaps, and priority areas for institutional strengthening across the TCEs.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brig Gen Ziblim Ayorrogo, welcomed participants and underscored the significance of the workshop as a springboard for more coordinated and impactful regional action:
“Today’s workshop is more than just the start of a new phase. It represents a critical moment for reflection, collaboration, and shared vision. It is here, together, that we will define our collective path forward. Let us co-create a strategy that is not only practical and effective but grounded in the realities of our region and the needs of our institutions.”
Brig Gen Ayorogo also thanked the German Government and GIZ for their steadfast support to peace and security efforts in West Africa and highlighted the importance of digital transformation, inclusive governance, and adaptive training in sustaining peacebuilding gains.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Teresa Krafft, Component Manager of the EPSG project, underscored the importance of joint planning in ensuring the relevance and sustainability of project outcomes. She hailed the longstanding partnership between the KAIPTC and the German Government, implemented through GIZ, in support to peace and security initiatives in West Africa.
Discussions during the workshop centred on key thematic areas emerging from the CNA, including capacity building, digital transformation, policy dialogue, and inclusive governance. While not all actions will be jointly implemented, the workshop provided a platform to align institutional efforts, foster synergy, and lay the foundation for impactful collaboration.
KAIPTC remains committed to working with ECOWAS, the TCE’s and partners such as GIZ to promote peace, security, and good governance across the region. The Centre extends appreciation to all participants for their active engagement and thoughtful contributions to the planning process.
