Ghana reaffirms commitment to UN peacekeeping
Ghana has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to international peace and security as it joined the global community in observing the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday in Accra.
The Minister for Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, paid tribute to the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of peacekeepers serving in conflict zones around the world.
He stated, “We are reminded on this solemn occasion of the extraordinary courage of those who serve on the frontlines of conflict, fostering peace and restoring hope for millions in challenging conflict situations around the world. We also pay tribute to the heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of peace.”
The Minister praised United Nations peacekeeping as a symbol of humanity’s collective resolve to prevent conflict, sustain peace, and respond to the evolving threats to global stability.
He noted that peacekeeping has been instrumental in protecting civilians, promoting inclusive governance, and advancing the participation of women and youth in decision-making processes.
However, the Minister acknowledged that peacekeeping operations face mounting challenges, including expanding mandates, funding deficits, growing geopolitical tensions, and the destabilising effects of climate change.
He also pointed to political constraints, ambiguous mandates, and declining trust in international systems as additional obstacles.
“In the face of these challenges, we must adapt and reform the peacekeeping architecture to reflect present-day realities. Central to this transformation is the need to strengthen global and regional partnerships, particularly between the United Nations and the African Union,” he added.
Citing United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), the Minister reiterated Ghana’s support for deeper cooperation between the UN and regional organizations such as the African Union, stressing the need to empower them to play a greater role in global peace efforts.
He also underscored the importance of building capacity through training and knowledge-sharing, calling for enhanced collaboration between the UN and peacekeeping training institutions.
The Minister stated Ghana’s commitment to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), describing it as a key continental institution for the advancement of peacekeeping excellence.
“Through knowledge and training, we can prepare our peacekeepers to face the challenges ahead. Our Centre remains a pillar for enhancing peacekeeping efforts not just in Ghana, but across Africa and beyond,” he said.
He also called on the international community to provide peacekeeping missions with the political will, resources, and clear mandates required to succeed, adding that multilateralism remains the most effective path to sustained peace in a complex and divided world.
“Our ability as states to act in a strong and unified manner will determine how peacekeeping can navigate modern threats. Ghana, one of the world’s leading troop-contributing countries to UN peace operations, has a long-standing record of supporting global peace efforts,” he said.
The Resident Coordinator Ad interim and Representative of UNICEF Ghana, Mr. Osama Makkawi, paid tribute to the 57 peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2024, including two Ghanaian soldiers, Sergeant Evans Kyere and Warrant Officer II David Kwame Amankwah.
He emphasized that peacekeeping cannot succeed in isolation and that building lasting partnerships is essential to respond effectively to collective challenges.
The United Nations flag was raised during the ceremony to symbolize Ghana's renewed commitment to the cause of peace and its enduring solidarity with the international community, and wreaths were laid in remembrance of fallen peacekeepers.