Africa-Press – Ghana. Ghana, Thursday, joined the international community to commemorate the 77th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers.
The Day honoured the dedication and sacrifices of peacekeepers across the globe, while calling for strengthened multilateral cooperation to meet the growing challenges of modern peacekeeping.
At a solemn flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony held at the Forecourt of the State House in Accra, the Government of Ghana and the United Nations used the occasion to spotlight the evolving complexities of global peacekeeping.
They advocated for robust international partnerships as a pathway to sustaining peace in fragile regions.
The ceremony was on the theme: “The Future of Peacekeeping: Strengthening Partnership and Multilateralism in Ghana and Beyond.”
Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesperson and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, underscored Ghana’s unwavering commitment to UN peace operations, stating, “Peacekeeping represents humanity’s collective commitment to preventing conflict, sustaining peace, and restoring hope in the face of adversity.”
He noted that while UN peacekeeping had proven effective in protecting civilians, supporting humanitarian efforts, and promoting post-conflict recovery, contemporary missions now faced mounting demands due to geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions, and funding shortfalls.
“As the global landscape for peacekeeping grows increasingly complex, we must adapt to maintain its vital role,” Mr Ofosu said.
The Minister emphasized the need to deepen collaboration between the UN and regional organisations such as the African Union, pointing to UN Security Council Resolution 2719 as a pivotal framework for enhancing such cooperation.
Reaffirming Ghana’s position as one of the top contributors to UN missions — currently ranked 7th among 122 troop-contributing countries — he highlighted the country’s long-standing involvement in missions from Liberia to South Sudan, and praised the professionalism of Ghanaian troops who served under the UN flag.
Mr. Ofosu called on member states to act in solidarity, providing the necessary political will and financial support to ensure peacekeeping missions could succeed even in the most challenging environments.
“Multilateralism, though imperfect, remains the best tool we have to sustain peace efforts,” he said.
Mr Ofosu stated the need to invest in peacekeeper training and capacity-building to better equip personnel for today’s complex conflict environments.
He noted Ghana’s continued commitment to supporting this objective through institutions like the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), which serves as a hub for preparing peacekeepers across the continent.
“Through knowledge and training, we can enhance the resilience and readiness of our peacekeepers to confront emerging threats,” he said.
The Minister for Government Communications further called on UN Member States to provide peace operations with “clear mandates, adequate political support, and sufficient resources” to enable missions to succeed.
“Our ability as states to act in a unified manner will determine how well peacekeeping can respond to the threats of our time,” the Minister said.
He urged the international community not to roll back progress achieved through recent frameworks like UN Security Council Resolution 2719, which enhances AU-UN cooperation.
Mr. Osama Makkawi, the UN Resident Coordinator and interim UNICEF Representative in Ghana, stressed that peacekeeping today “cannot succeed in isolation” and called for more inclusive, better-resourced, and technologically supported missions.
“In a world of evolving threats — from cyberattacks to climate-driven conflicts — responding effectively requires building strong partnerships inside and outside the UN system,” he said.
Mr. Makkawi further emphasised the importance of investing in peacekeeper training, elevating the role of women, and building local trust through community engagement.
He paid tribute to the 57 UN peacekeepers who lost their lives in 2024, including two Ghanaian servicemen — Sergeant Evans Kyere and Warrant Officer II David Kwame Amankwah — who served with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei.
Their sacrifice will be honoured posthumously in New York with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal.
Adding to the accolades, Squadron Leader Sharon Syme of Ghana was recognized for receiving the 2024 Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award.
“We are proud of her and Ghana’s continuous leadership in peacekeeping,” Mr. Makkawi added.
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