The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) held its 12th joint graduation ceremony for 37 students on December 9,2023.
The ceremony, on the theme: “Educating the Next Generation of Peacebuilders in Africa,” was chaired by Prof Samuel Kwaku Bonsu, the Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA)
The graduates, who were all from Ghana, completed the Master of Arts in Conflict, Peace and Security (MCPS) programme (Executive, Regular and Weekend sessions); and MA in Gender, Peace and Security (MGPS).
The Guest of Honor for the occasion, Hon. Bryan Acheampong, Ghana’s Minister for Agriculture and Member of Parliament for Abetifi Constituency delivered the key note address. He mentioned that violent extremist activities and insurgencies; youth unemployment; bad governance; economic stagnation; maritime piracy and robbery at sea are threats to state and human security and continue to present challenges to most states and societies in Africa.
Hon. Bryan Acheampong noted the resurgence of military coups and democratic reversals in West Africa and citied that the region has seen about 6 successful coups since 2020.
“The relapse to militarism and the popular domestic support that characterize them raise fundamental questions about the brand of democracy and constitutionalism being practiced on the continent, and the effectiveness of regional norms and principles as mechanisms for democratic consolidation in West Africa” Hon. Bryan Acheampong said.
The Honorable Minister highlighted that the KAIPTC, through its well-resourced, research-based, and practical experience in conflict prevention, peace and security studies, as well as peace support operations, has contributed immensely in challenging and changing the status quo in relation to African peace and security efforts.
The Commandant of the KAIPTC, Maj. Gen. Richard Addo Gyane in his opening remarks reiterated how historical antecedents, rising extremism and arms proliferation have characterized conflicts in Africa. He added that the KAIPTCs academic programmes are aimed at imparting the youth with quality education that reflects good leadership, conflict resolution skills, empathy, high moral standard and the will to fight corruption
“In educating the youth, we are also sure to achieve the target on goal number four, in relation to quality education of the Sustainable Development Goals,” Maj. Gen. Addo Gyane said.
The Commandant, KAIPTC, cautioned students to be conscious of warning signals that portend trouble and conflict situations and apply the intuitive and analytical skills they have acquired from the KAIPTC to guide discussions on best practices.
Maj. Gen. Addo Gyane said the objective of the KAIPTC is to use globally accepted standards to provide quality education that is geared towards empowering the next generation of peacebuilders.
