The European Union (EU) and the Federal Republic of Germany, by the orchestration of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, has presented Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) equipment to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), to improve the Centre’s e-learning capabilities, and to expand its virtual engagements with Peace Support Operations (PSO).
The presentation took place on Monday 12 February 2024, at the Multi-Purpose Training Facility (MPTF) of the KAIPTC, with the Commandant, KAIPTC – Major General (Maj Gen) Richard Addo Gyane, receiving the items from Her Excellency (HE) Ms Sivine Jansen – Deputy Head of Mission, German Embassy in Ghana; HE Irchad Razaaly Ramiandrasoa – EU Ambassador to Ghana, and (HE) Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil – ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana.
HE Ramiandrasoa said the delivery is part of a wider initiative, under the ECOWAS Peace and Security Architecture and Operations (EPSAO) Project, which commenced in February 2019, and is funded by the EU and the Federal Government of the Republic of Germany.

HE Ramiandrasoa said the initiative represents a significant step forward in fostering regional stability and prosperity in West Africa, and that by investing in such endeavors, stakeholders lay the groundwork for a more secure and flourishing future for the entire region.
He continued that, in an increasingly interconnected world, where conflicts transcend borders more than ever before, the importance of robust e-learning platforms cannot be overstated, and that the ICT tools delivered will not only facilitate knowledge-sharing, but also foster a deeper understanding of the complex international dynamics inherent in PSOs.
The EU Ambassador said that building capacity in the ICT area, does not only contribute to regional security, but also paves the way for a more stable and prosperous future for West Africa, whose stability is currently seriously challenged by violent extremism, terrorism, and some political upheavals.

Ambassador Ramiandrasoa said the EU continues to support initiatives aimed at enhancing resilience and institutional capabilities, from border management, combating terrorism financing, addressing international crime, facilitating cross-border information sharing, and bolstering conflict prevention, to mediation efforts.
He concluded that peacebuilding is a complex and multifaceted endeavour, and requires a holistic approach, and that while technical capabilities are crucial, sustainable peace also depends on addressing underlying root causes, promoting inclusive governance, fostering social cohesion, and empowering local communities.
Ambassador Wakil recalled that ECOWAS’ Development Partners have of recent times presented similar ICT equipment to the Ghana Small Arms Commission, and the Ghana Narcotics Control Commission, to support the country’s efforts in advancing sub-regional agenda in particular critical sectors.

He continued that the presentation is focused on PSO as a component of the overall effort in achieving digitalization of the Human Capital Development (HCD) agenda in the sub-region, surmising that without ICT compliance in HCD in a comprehensive manner, the various efforts at regional integration, including provision of infrastructure and trade promotion, would not attain the anticipated end state.
Ambassador Wakil concluded that, the choice of Ghana as the recipient of the items is informed by the fact that it has one of the best HCD models, with the KAIPTC upgrading ECOWAS’ initiatives in peace and security, in the entire sub-region.
Maj Gen Gyane, in receiving the items, said since the inception of the Centre, KAIPTC’s ICT Unit has benefitted from German support more than any of its other partners, including the establishment of its current Server Room, and two sets of Interpretation Equipment, to help reduce the financial stress of hiring such equipment to support the Centre’s courses, thereby Üboosting and retaining internally generated funds.

He added that Germany has also been the main support for the development and improvement of the KAIPTC website, while Germany’s Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is currently sponsoring staff of the ICT Unit, to build their capacity at the Kofi Annan ICT Centre at Ridge, Accra.
The items presented were thirty (30) laptops, three (3) projectors, one (1) conferencing machine, and ten (10) 75 inch interactive screens.
Present at the event included Ms Teresa Krafft – representative of GIZ/EPSAO, the Deputy Commandant, KAIPTC – Air Commodore David Akrong; Director of Training – Colonel Anorph Barnabas Akanbong, Directors and Staff of KAIPTC.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode