Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, described the workshop as timely as the region works toward the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325). She noted that it offers national focal persons the leadership and coordination competencies necessary to promote inclusive peace and security initiatives.

Mrs Lartey highlighted Ghana’s achievements, including the rollout of two National Action Plans since 2012, the passage of the Affirmative Action Gender Equity Act, 2024, the appointment of gender focal persons in security institutions, and the historic election of the nation’s first female Vice President as milestones in gender inclusion. She also acknowledged the contribution of women peacekeepers and mediators supported by the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC).

Olatunde Olayemi, Programme Officer at the ECOWAS Commission, stressed that sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women. He noted the establishment of the ECOWAS WPS Regional Steering Group in 2023 and the publication of the first regional WPS report in Africa as significant steps.

Dr Dirk Abmann, Country Director of GIZ Ghana, reaffirmed Germany and the European Union’s commitment to supporting gender-responsive peace efforts, emphasising that women’s participation in decision-making is essential for sustainable peace.

The Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Akrong, urged participants to take advantage of the training and called for stronger collaboration to advance the WPS agenda across West Africa.

The workshop is supported by the ECOWAS Peace, Security and Governance Project, co-funded by Germany and the European Union, and implemented by GIZ, Expertise France, FIAP, ECOWAS Commission, and KAIPTC.