The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has reaffirmed its position as a leading institution in advancing gender-responsive peacekeeping, as it hosted the opening of a high-level Gender Advisors Course aimed at deepening gender integration within military operations.
The training, held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, brought together military personnel, policymakers and international partners in a coordinated effort to strengthen the capacity of the Ghana Armed Forces to incorporate gender perspectives into both domestic and international peace support operations.
At the heart of the initiative is KAIPTC’s expanding role as a regional hub for peacekeeping excellence, particularly in the implementation of the global Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda.
The Centre, named after former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, has increasingly positioned itself as a critical platform for training, research and policy development in inclusive security.
KAIPTC at the Centre of Strategic Partnerships
The course forms part of Phase Two of the Elsie Initiative (ELSI), a bilateral programme between Ghana and Canada designed to enhance the meaningful participation of women in United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Supported by Global Affairs Canada, the initiative has been instrumental in driving institutional reforms within the Ghana Armed Forces.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Colonel William Nortey emphasised the importance of sustained international collaboration, noting that partnerships anchored at KAIPTC continue to yield tangible results.
He highlighted that the Centre’s involvement in Phase One of the Elsie Initiative contributed significantly to the development of the Ghana Armed Forces’ first comprehensive gender policy framework—an achievement widely regarded as a milestone in military reform.
“Canada’s commitment to this cause has been unwavering. We cannot thank them enough,” Colonel Nortey stated, referencing nearly eight years of cooperation.
He further welcomed the deepening partnership with UNITAR, describing its growing engagement with KAIPTC as a “new and important phase” in advancing gender mainstreaming across the Armed Forces.
Building Capacity for Modern Peacekeeping
The Gender Advisors Course, formally known as the Reinforcement Training Package for Military Gender Advisors, has been designed as an intermediate-level programme to build on earlier gains, including the development of an online training platform.
Participants are expected to acquire both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required to function effectively as gender advisors, particularly in complex peacekeeping environments.
However, Colonel Nortey stressed that the value of the training extends beyond formal roles.
“Even without being designated as gender advisors, participants will still have an impact because they are trained, aware and equipped,” he noted.
The programme is also supported by long-standing partners such as the Women Youth Peace and Security Institute, whose contributions to gender-focused training and advocacy have been widely acknowledged.
Canada Applauds Ghana and KAIPTC Leadership
Speaking at the ceremony, Elsa Mouelhi-Rondeau, Political and Public Affairs Counsellor at the Canadian High Commission, praised KAIPTC’s leadership in implementing reforms under the Elsie Initiative.
She revealed that between August 2022 and December 2024, the Centre played a central role in supporting the Ghana Armed Forces to develop its first-ever gender policy framework.
The policy addresses critical issues such as sexual harassment, gender-responsive budgeting, and progressive measures including parental leave for male personnel.
“These achievements demonstrate not only the commitment of the Ghana Armed Forces, but also Ghana’s strong leadership in advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda,” she said.
Ms Mouelhi-Rondeau also underscored the operational importance of gender inclusion, noting that mixed-gender peacekeeping units are often more effective in engaging local communities, gathering intelligence, and responding to diverse security needs.
Reinforcing Global Peacekeeping Standards
In a further show of institutional support, the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, reiterated the Centre’s commitment to promoting inclusive peace operations.
Delivering remarks on behalf of Claudia Croce of UNITAR, he described the training as “an important step forward” in strengthening both gender equality and operational effectiveness in peacekeeping missions worldwide.
He commended the Ministry of Defence of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces and international partners, including the Canadian Department of National Defence, for their sustained collaboration with KAIPTC.
A Regional Model for Inclusive Security
The latest training initiative further cements KAIPTC’s reputation as a centre of excellence in peacekeeping training across Africa.
With Ghana consistently ranked among the top troop-contributing countries to United Nations missions, the Centre’s work has far-reaching implications for global security.
Looking ahead, partners including Canada and UNITAR are expected to expand their collaboration with KAIPTC through additional training programmes, institutional strengthening and policy development initiatives aimed at embedding gender perspectives across all levels of military operations.
As the two-week course progresses, participants are being encouraged to actively engage, share experiences and contribute to building a more inclusive and professional military environment.
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