The Republic of Ghana and the United Nations Office in Accra joined the international community to mark the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers with a Flag-raising and Wreath-laying ceremony.
The theme for this year’s event which was held at the Forecourt of the State House is “Fit for the Future: Building Better Together”.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Defence, Hon. Dominic Nitiwul, stated that the theme underscores the importance of adapting to the changing landscape of peacekeeping and the need for collaboration towards a more peaceful and secure world.
He also noted the indispensable role women played in peacekeeping and commended the United Nation’s effort to increasing women’s participation in that regard.
“Ghana has increasingly been fielding female peacekeepers, both from the military and police units, and we are committed to improving gender parity and integration for effective peacekeeping”, he added.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator to Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani in his speech also mentioned that, this year’s theme, underscores the role of UN Peacekeepers in transitioning countries from conflict to peace.
He added that it also emphasizes the organization’s adaptation to future challenges, focusing on youth, peace, and security.
Mr. Abani commended Ghana for being the 7th largest troop-contributing country and excelling in global peacekeeping, with significant contributions from women.
He further congratulated Ghana for being the first African country to host the Peacekeeping Ministerial meeting adding that, “The event was a great success, and Ghana made us proud”.
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is set aside to honour the memories of UN Peacekeepers who lost their lives in the line of duty and to acknowledge all men and women serving in UN peacekeeping operations around the world.
In attendance were members of the Diplomatic Corps, officers and men from the security agencies, government officials, students from selected Senior High Schools and the general public.
The ceremony was followed by a tree-planting exercise and a photo exhibition of Ghana’s contribution to UN Peacekeeping operations as well as the contribution of UN Peacekeepers around the world.
