Accra, Ghana (12th March, 2025) The Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Major General Richard Addo Gyane, has been honoured with the TUDEC Peace Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to peace, security, and unity.
The award was conferred at TUDEC’s 13th Dialogue & Peace Iftar Dinner, held in Accra, Ghana on the theme: “Strengthening Peace: Passing the Culture of Dialogue and Peace to Future Generations.”
The TUDEC Peace Award is a prestigious recognition presented by the TUDEC Development Centre to individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions to peacebuilding, social cohesion, and interfaith dialogue in Ghana and beyond.
The ceremony brought together high-profile personalities from various sectors, underscoring the importance for dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation in fostering peaceful coexistence.
Recognizing Excellence in Peace Advocacy
Maj Gen Gyane was among four distinguished personalities honoured for their efforts in promoting peace and social cohesion. The others included:
- Right Reverend Dr. Abraham Nana Opare-Boakye – Moderator, General Assembly, Presbyterian Church of Ghana
- Madam Kathleen Addy – Chairperson, National Commission for Civic Education, Ghana
- Sheikh Ali Abubakar Napari – Executive Director, The Light Foundation, Ghana.
They join an esteemed list of past recipients, including Most Rev. Charles Gabriel Palmer-Buckle, Ghana’s National Chief Imam Sheikh Usman Nuhu Sharubutu, and former Chief of the Defence Staff, Ghana, Lt Gen Obed Boamah Akwa.
“Peace is an Ethical Imperative”
In his acceptance remarks, Maj Gen Gyane expressed appreciation to TUDEC Development Centre for the honour and emphasized the moral and ethical imperative of peacebuilding.
“We cannot claim to be advocates of peace while turning a blind eye to oppression and injustice. Peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of justice, morality, and ethical conduct in our engagements with one another,” he stated.
The Commandant highlighted KAIPTC’s unwavering commitment to peace and security across Africa, citing its strategic partnerships with global institutions, including the United Nations, in advancing stability in the sub-region.
“At KAIPTC, we believe that peace is a process, not an event. It requires continuous dialogue, collaboration, and a firm commitment to justice and human dignity,” he added.
A Call for Collective Action
Maj Gen Gyane dedicated the award to the management and staff of KAIPTC, acknowledging their contributions to peacekeeping efforts over the past 20 years.
Quoting Nelson Mandela, he reminded the audience of the need for sustained action:
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, creed, or background.”
He further urged all stakeholders to safeguard the culture of dialogue and understanding, stressing that building peace requires unity, empathy, and a shared vision for a better world.
“It is easy to break down and destroy. The true heroes are those who strive for love and peace,” he concluded.
The TUDEC Peace Award continues to celebrate individuals and institutions championing peace and development, reinforcing Ghana’s role as a beacon of stability in the region.
Note
TUDEC – a Turkish non-governmental organization for science, culture, charity and education purposes, was founded in Accra-Ghana in June 2011, by a group of professionals in the business, educational, medical and legal sectors to facilitate educational, cultural, commercial and humanitarian exchanges in Ghana and beyond.