Nana Nketsia V in adiscussion with AVM Evans
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has awarded Master’s degrees to 97 students at its 7th graduation ceremony.
The students pursued Masters of Arts (MA) in Conflict, Peace and Security, MA in Gender, Peace and Security and Executive MA in Conflict, Peace and Security.
The ceremony, which took place in Accra on Wednesday, also saw the launch of the KAIPTC Journal of African Peace and Security which focuses on security in Africa.
In attendance were members of the diplomatic corps, retired military personnel, government officials, as well as friends and families of the graduands.
The Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Griffiths Evans, in his address, said the four-year strategic plan, which started in 2014, ended in December 2018.
He indicated that the institution would start the implementation of a new strategic plan that would change the mission, vision and strategic objectives of the centre.
“We are beginning the implementation of our new five-year strategic plan from January 2019 to December 2023 which is premised on a new business model that is aimed at institutional and financial sustainability of the centre,” he said.
Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Griffiths Evans congratulated the graduates and advised them to be dynamic and innovative in order to be relevant in a fast changing world.
“Change is here. Change is now and so will you have to embrace it, stay agile and remember that the change first starts with you,” he added.
The Chairman of Ishmael Yamson and Associates, Dr Ishmael Yamson, who was the guest speaker, indicated that the current educational model should focus on technological advances that provide immense benefits to governments and societies at large.
He added that education should also focus on promoting good governance, better leadership skills and sustaining peace and security.
“The viability of our educational system is also a derivative of that civic literacy and participation. Our educators must pay attention to civic responsibilities,” he said.
The paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, on his part, tasked graduates to promote peace in the world, adding that there are still people with extremely deadly views that threaten the security of the world.
He urged them to unbiased, patriotic and adhere to the ethics of their profession.
“Serving in the security service is a calling that should not be determined by your political affiliation. It’s a calling where one should be ready to die for the country,” he said
Three students-Sumaila Mahama, Irene Hatsu Fiebor and Major Linda Patience Oboh, who were adjudged the best students in MA in Conflict, Peace and Security; Executive MA in Conflicts, Peace and Security and MA in Gender, Peace and Security, were awarded at the event.
By Issah Mohammed