KAIPTC launches Specialised Training to equip Ghana Armed Forces instructors with gender-sensitive skills

A specialised Training of Trainers’ (ToTs) series for instructors of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has been launched at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).

The series is part of a bilateral partnership between Canada and the Ghana Armed Forces, implemented by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, under the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations.

The training is aimed at equipping Ghana Armed Forces instructors and gender advisors with standardised gender-sensitive training.

Speaking at the launch of the Training of Trainers’ series on Monday, October 7, the Commandant of KAIPTC, Major General Richard Addo Gyane said a total of sixty (60) Training Instructors and Gender Advisors selected across the various training schools will be trained to effectively use the standardised gender-sensitive manual in their various training schools with the approval of the Ghana Armed Forces.

KAIPTC Commandant, Major General Richard Addo Gyane

He said integrating gender perspective into GAF training schools will among other things give an opportunity to new recruits to learn and appreciate the concepts of gender as they join GAF and run through the ranks to the Top Level where critical gender decisions are made to ensure inclusivity and promote Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in GAF.

"It is my expectation that the ToT will contribute to enhancing the capacity of Training Instructors to fully mainstream gender into the GAF training programmes from the various training schools,” Major General Richard Addo Gyane said.

In his closing remarks, the Commandant of KAIPTC expressed his sincere gratitude to the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada for their continued support and commitment to promoting the Women, Peace and Security agenda in Africa.

Speaking at the launch, Senior Liaison Officer at the High Commission of Canada, Bertha Desmennu, said the Ghana Armed Forces can be proud of the progress made so far, adding that the Gender Policy Framework aims at making the armed forces an inclusive and gender-sensitive institution.

She said this will ensure the Ghana Armed Forces becomes an institution where equal opportunity for both women and men personnel would be guaranteed.

“The Training of Trainers series starting today, and focused on training you for the effective use of the comprehensive GAF gender manuals that have been developed, is a crucial part of this journey. Making this journey a success is a collective responsibility, at all levels,” Bertha Desmennu said.

She encouraged the instructors taking part in the training to be active participants during this training, while urging them to ask questions, share knowledge and experience, and make sure to get a full grasp of the training manual which will be their tool to help ensure the GAF is advancing on the journey to becoming a world leader in gender responsiveness for effectiveness in peace operations and beyond.

Sharing some remarks at the programme, Lt. Col. Rhonda Mathews from the Canadian Armed Forces underscored its importance and indicated that she is delighted to be part of training with other colleagues from the Canadian Armed Forces.

She said she is confident the training will make the Ghana Armed Forces stronger in all areas.

“By continuing to have this training we will be able to grow together to make the Armed Forces stronger. It’s very important to involve both genders in all areas to improve our security,” Lt. Col. Rhonda Mathews said.