KAIPTC opens review workshop on Ghana’s women, peace & security plan

The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and the Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), has opened a three-day workshop to review the implementation of Ghana’s Second National Action Plan (NAP) on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).
The workshop, held in Accra, brings together representatives from various institutions and civil society organisations to assess progress made under the second NAP and to begin strategic planning towards the development of a third.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Acting Director of the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute (WYPSI) at KAIPTC, Madam Sylvia Horname Noagbesenu, stressed the importance of the workshop, describing it as a crucial step in strengthening Ghana’s commitment to gender-inclusive peacebuilding and security.
“This workshop is not only an opportunity to reflect on our achievements under NAP 2 but also to envision a future national action plan that is data-driven, context-specific, and responsive to emerging security threats,” she said.
She praised the Ministry of Gender and FOSDA for their efforts in advancing the WPS agenda and acknowledged the support of the Swedish government for financing the review process.
Highlighting Ghana’s progress since the adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, Madam
Noagbesenu noted that the country has demonstrated commendable leadership in institutionalising gender equality within peace and security frameworks.
“The second NAP provided a structured approach to strengthening institutional frameworks, ensuring women’s participation, and protecting the rights and dignity of women and girls, especially in conflict-affected settings,” she noted.
She called for deeper collaboration across institutions and sectors, emphasizing that the next phase of Ghana’s WPS agenda must be built on existing foundations, with renewed commitment and strategic foresight to tackle both current and future challenges.
Madam Noagbesenu also acknowledged the contributions of Mrs. Joana Opare, a long-standing advocate for gender equality, for her expertise and leadership in the development of inclusive peacebuilding frameworks.
The Acting Director reaffirmed KAIPTC’s commitment to the WPS agenda, stating that the Centre remains dedicated to providing the training, knowledge, and partnerships needed to advance women’s inclusion in peace and security processes.
“With shared vision and dedication, we look forward to a peaceful, inclusive, and secure future,” she said.
The review is expected to culminate in a roadmap for the formulation of Ghana’s Third National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security.
Director, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mrs. Vera Karikari Bediako called for stronger partnerships across sectors to build a gender-balanced peace and security framework.
“To create lasting peace, we must amplify women’s voices and ensure their full participation in leadership at all levels,” she said.
She reiterated Ghana’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, especially those relating to gender equality and inclusive development.
Programmes Officer at FOSDA, Ms. Dorothy Barnes, echoed the call for broader inclusion and transparency in the WPS agenda.
Representing FOSDA’s executive leadership, Ms. Barnes shared insights from the foundation’s independent monitoring of NAP 2.
“Our findings show that as of December 2023, Ghana had achieved about 20.84% implementation of the plan across six institutions,”
“We’re currently in phase two of our monitoring and engaging more institutions to document ongoing efforts.” she said.
She stressed the importance of not only presenting successes and challenges internally but also ensuring that the broader public is informed and involved.
“The Action Plan belongs to everyone—it’s designed to foster inclusive societies for women and girls at every level,” she stated.
Ms. Barnes emphasized that the workshop is an opportunity to derive meaningful recommendations for NAP 3 adding that “Peace and security must be a shared responsibility that includes every man, woman, young and old.”
By CHRISTABEL OBOSHIE ANNAN, Accra