The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has launched a specialized Training of Trainers (ToTs) series for instructors of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). This initiative is part of a broader bilateral partnership between Canada and GAF, implemented as part of the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations. Its primary objective is to equip instructors and gender advisors within the armed forces with standardized, gender-sensitive training materials. The launch ceremony, held on October 7, featured remarks from KAIPTC’s Commandant, Major General Richard Addo Gyane, who emphasized the importance of this training in integrating a gender perspective into GAF’s educational framework, which will ultimately enhance the understanding and appreciation of gender issues among recruits.
Major General Gyane outlined that a total of sixty training instructors and gender advisors from various GAF training schools have been selected to undergo this training. Upon completion, these trained individuals will be empowered to apply the standardized gender-sensitive training manual within their respective institutions. The Commandant expressed his belief that this initiative would be instrumental in refining the GAF’s training programs. By imparting the concepts of gender equality and women’s empowerment right from the onset, the aim is to create a culture of inclusivity that transcends ranks and affects decision-making at the highest levels of the armed forces.
The importance of integrating gender considerations into military training was echoed by Bertha Desmennu, the Senior Liaison Officer at the High Commission of Canada. She commended the progress made by the Ghana Armed Forces toward establishing a more inclusive and gender-sensitive environment. Desmennu highlighted the Gender Policy Framework, designed to ensure equal opportunities for both male and female personnel. By focusing on the effective use of GAF’s comprehensive gender manuals, the ToTs series is seen as a vital component of building a more equitable institution. She encouraged participants to engage actively in the training, underscoring the collective responsibility required to succeed in this transformative journey.
In her remarks, Lt. Col. Rhonda Mathews from the Canadian Armed Forces reinforced the significance of the training for the strength and effectiveness of the GAF. She expressed her excitement to collaborate with her Ghanaian counterparts and emphasized that ongoing training can fortify the military by enhancing the involvement and perspectives of both genders. Mathews pointed out that increasing gender representation in all areas of security operations contributes to overall efficacy and operational success. By fostering an inclusive environment where both male and female personnel can thrive, the GAF can make significant strides in achieving its goals.
The comprehensive approach delineated in the training not only addresses the immediate need for gender sensitivity within military operations but also hints at a cultural shift within the armed forces. It is designed to instill an understanding of gender-related issues from the outset of military training, which is expected to influence GAF policies and practices in the long run. The initiative is not seen merely as a training exercise; it represents a commitment to a broader agenda of Women, Peace, and Security, and highlights the importance of international collaboration in achieving these goals.
In conclusion, the launch of the Training of Trainers series at KAIPTC signifies a pivotal step toward a more inclusive and gender-responsive armed forces in Ghana. With the collaborative efforts of Canadian officials and GAF leadership, the initiative aims to create an environment where gender equality is woven into the fabric of military training and operations. As the armed forces move forward with integrating these gender-sensitive practices, it is anticipated that they will not only enhance the effectiveness of peace operations but also set a benchmark for other military institutions to follow in promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.
