The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has marked its 13th joint graduation ceremony at the centre in Accra.

In all,104 students from Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa graduated from the centre with a Master of Arts in Conflicts, Peace and Security and a Master of Arts in Gender Peace and Security including the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Grace Jeanet Mason.

On the theme: "Celebrating two decades of excellence: Promoting peace and security in a changing world order"; the graduation also featured the launch of the second edition of the KAIPTC's Journal of African Peace and Security.

The graduates, who completed their programme included military personnel, law enforcement officers, and civilians.

The KAIPTC, established in 2004, has trained thousands of individuals and is recognised as a Centre of Excellence for training, education, and research in peace and security. Its programmes are aligned with the evolving dynamics of global conflict and are designed to meet the specific needs of Africa.

Present at the graduation ceremony were the Commandant of the KAIPTC, Major General Richard Addo Gyane; the Guest Speaker, the Chief of Mamfe and Kyidomhene of Akuapem Traditional Area, Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III, and the Deputy Rector of the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), Professor Ebenezer Adaku, among others.

Desmond Appiah received the Best Graduating Student in Master of Arts in Conflicts, Peace and Security award, while Esther Asiwome received the Best Graduating Student of the Master of Arts in Gender Peace and Security award and the Overall Best Student award at the 13th joint graduation ceremony.

Commendation

In his opening remarks, Maj. Gen. Addo-Gyane commended the students for their efforts in undertaking the programme.

The commandant urged the students to distinguish themselves as worthy ambassadors and graduates of the centre.

He indicated that the ceremony was intended to celebrate the great accomplishments of the students and also as a symbolic rite of passage ushering them into a new life.

"Although today marks the conclusion of a stage in your academic pursuits, it is certainly not the conclusion or end of your academic endeavours," he advised the graduating students.

Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III, urged the graduates to always remember that the world awaited their meaningful contributions to promoting peace and security.

He emphasised that the certificate obtained from the KAIPTC was a little part of their achievement, as they were required to be leaders with integrity, compassion and courage.