(31st October, 2023) Accra, Ghana: The Federal Chancellor of Germany, His Excellency Olaf Scholz, has said the dedicated works of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) is a testament of Ghana’s willingness to promote peace and security in Africa.
His Excellency Olaf Scholz made the comment during a working visit to the Centre, where he was accompanied by Ghana’s president, HE Akufo-Addo. Chancellor Scholz, applauded Ghana for its respect for the rule of law and said the country is a beacon of hope for the subregion and would continue to be a close partner to Germany.
Touching on security in the sub region, the Federal Chancellor said, threats of terrorism in West Africa remains complex and challenging. He added that highly trained and well-equipped security personnel are needed to address the estimated threats terrorism posed, calling for strengthened collaboration between member states in West Africa.
“Terrorists exploit any lack of unity and cooperation and that is what makes Ghana’s ‘Accra Initiative’ so valuable, because it fosters cross border cooperation through intelligence sharing and joint cooperation.” HE Chancellor Scholz said. “Germany and other like-minded partners stand ready to support such approaches by taking a pragmatic look at needs of the ground.”
Chancellor Scholz said Germany is proud to have been among the leading international supporters of the KAIPTC for almost 20 years now and pledged his country’s support to the work of the Centre.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the many years of cooperation between Ghana and Germany which led to the establishment of KAIPTC in 2004. He reiterated the Centre’s global recognition for its work and contributions to the promotion of peace in the region, the continent and in the world.
The Commandant of the KAIPTC, Major General Richard Addo Gyane, spoke specifically about the benefits the Centre has enjoyed from the corporation between Germany and Ghana during the visit.
He said support from GIZ and other partner agencies including the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), has led to the training of more than 1000 civilian, military and police experts from all over Africa. The personnel, Maj Gen Gyane said, include more than 60 mid-career women leaders who had benefited from the German scholarship programme dubbed: “Inspiring African Women Leaders in Peace and Security”.
“Germany has also been a key partner for the establishment of regional and continental policy exchange platforms including the Kofi Annan Peace and Security Forum (KAPS),” Major General Richard Addo Gyane said.
The German Government has supported the KAIPTC through the German Development Cooperation (GIZ) from 2006 till date. GIZ provides funds for equipment and training of security personnel working in peacebuilding operations globally.