(Accra, 14th August, 2024) The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) hosted a high-level roundtable discussion involving Ghana’s Ministers of Defence, National Security, and Interior, alongside the Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland.
The meeting focused on the security landscape in Ghana and the broader West African sub-region, addressing critical issues such as violent extremism, transnational organized crime, and the pivotal role of women in peacekeeping efforts. Discussions also explored the spillover effects of extremism from the Sahel to coastal states, maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea, and peacekeeping efforts under UN Security Council Resolution 2719.
Maj Gen Richard Gyane, Commandant of KAIPTC, underscored the importance of collaboration between Ghana and its Nordic partners in tackling the evolving security challenges in the region. The Nordic delegation, led by Tobias Billström, Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, reiterated their commitment to supporting peace and stability initiatives in West Africa.
Other key members of the Nordic delegation included Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; Kolbrún R. Gylfadóttir, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; and Bjørg Sandkjær, Norway’s State Secretary for International Development.
KAIPTC continues to play a crucial role in shaping peace and security strategies in West Africa and this has been supported for over two decades by its Nordic partners.