(Accra, Ghana – 31 October 2025) The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) held its 14th Joint Graduation Ceremony on Friday, 31 October 2025, marking a milestone in the Centre’s continued contribution to building human capacity for peace and security in Africa.
A total of 101 students from Ghana, Nigeria, and Zambia graduated with postgraduate degrees in Conflict, Peace and Security, and Gender, Peace and Security, including a female Ph.D. student — the only doctoral graduate in 2025 and the second female to graduate from the Doctorate programme since 2015.
Theme: Building African Agency for Peace and Security in a Changing World
The ceremony was held under the theme: “Building African Agency for Peace and Security in a Changing World”, emphasizing Africa’s proactive role in shaping its own destiny amid global challenges.
Hon. Alex Segbefia, Chief of Staff at the Office of the Vice President of Ghana, who represented the Vice President as Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of African agency in global affairs:
“Africa must no longer be seen as a mere spectator in global affairs, but as a productive, consistent, and confident actor in shaping its own destiny. As graduates of this prestigious institution, you are called to be part of this transformation.” Hon. Alex Segbefia said.
He also commended the Ghana Armed Forces and KAIPTC leadership for sustaining a world-class institution dedicated to nurturing professionals committed to peace-building, stability, and governance across the continent. Hon. Segbefia further announced government plans to complete the KAIPTC building complex, which has remained unfinished for years:
“The completion of this complex will expand the Centre’s capacity, enhance regional collaboration, and reaffirm Ghana’s leadership in international peacekeeping. It will serve as a living testament to our commitment to investing in knowledge, leadership, and human capacity, the true pillars of lasting peace.”
Keynote Address: Leadership, Trust, and Justice in Peacebuilding
Mr. Emmanuel Hakuba Bombande, Ghana’s former Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Co-Founder of the West African Network for Peacebuilding, delivered the keynote speech, emphasizing the role of Africans in consolidating peace and institutional trust.
“As graduates today, you are invited to utilize the knowledge acquired at KAIPTC to enhance national peace and stability. Peace is rooted in justice, fairness, equity, and the inclusion of all, particularly gender inclusion, to ensure sustainable peace,” he said.
He highlighted the risks of mistrust in institutions, citing examples from West Africa and Malawi, and stressed the importance of leadership accountability which he mentioned is imperative in order for the ruling class to act impartially in advocacy for justice, peace, and equality, protecting the underlying cultural values in rural communities.
Commandant’s Address: Equipping Graduates for Africa’s Challenges
Acting Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, welcomed the dignitaries and graduates, reflecting on KAIPTC’s mission to reconstruct peace and security knowledge to reflect African experiences:
“Students graduating today are equipped with the relevant skills and capacities to think differently. They possess the agency for finding innovative solutions to multiple peace and security challenges in Africa, from violent extremism to outright terrorism, transnational organized crime, poor natural resources governance, and democratic reversals.”
He also highlighted the Centre’s regional and global recognition for its contributions to international peacekeeping.
Outstanding Graduates and Awards
The ceremony also recognized exceptional academic achievements:
- Mr. Prosper Basommi Laari was received an award as Best Graduating Student, MA Gender, Peace & Security, and Overall Best Graduating Student; and
- Madam Elizabeth Jenelle Acquah won the Best Graduating Student, MA Conflict, Peace & Security
Looking Ahead
The 14th Joint Graduation reaffirms KAIPTC’s commitment to nurturing skilled professionals ready to address the evolving peace and security challenges in Africa. The graduates join a growing alumni network spanning over 26 countries, equipped to advance African agency in global peace and security. This ceremony not only celebrated academic excellence but underscored the vital role of KAIPTC in building a continent capable of shaping its own peace and security narrative.
The event was attended by top military and academic leaders, including the Chief of the Naval Staff, Ghana Navy – Rear Admiral Godwin Livinus Bessing; the Chief of the Air Staff, Ghana Air Force – Air Vice Marshal Eric Agyen-Frempong, the President, Ghana National Defence University – Air Vice Marshal Felix Asante, the Acting Commandant, National College for Defence Studies, Ghana, – Brigadier General Frederick Ntiri; the Commandant, Training and Doctrine Command – Commodore Maxwell Arhen; and Maj Gen Yaachi (Rtd), former Commandant, KAIPTC and former Chief of Army Staff, Ghana.