The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) on Wednesday, September 4, 2025, hosted the official closing ceremony of the project titled “Support to Strengthen Capacities for Promoting Efficiency in the Implementation of the Accra Initiative in West Africa and the Sahel.”
Funded by the Government of Japan and implemented in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the year-long project focused on building capacity, fostering collaboration, and enhancing operational readiness among the seven signatory states of the Accra Initiative — Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Mali, and Niger, with Nigeria participating as a collaborative observer.
The event brought together senior security officials, diplomats, and stakeholders in peace and security from across West Africa and beyond. Key speakers included the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo, the Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Mr. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, and the Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, Ms. Shaima Hussien.
In his address, Brigadier General Ayorrogo praised the collective effort that led to the successful completion of the project.
“The presentations and discussions during this Steering Committee Meeting have clearly demonstrated the substantial progress achieved,” he noted. “The tailored training packages, research, and strengthened policy dialogues have significantly enhanced regional security cooperation and operational readiness.”
He also commended the project for fostering stronger ties among sister nations, urging stakeholders to sustain the momentum and deepen partnerships in the face of growing regional threats.
“The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre reaffirms its unwavering support for the Accra Initiative and stands ready to assist in the continued pursuit of a stable and secure West Africa and Sahel,” he added.
Ambassador Yoshimoto echoed Japan’s strong support for African-led peace and security initiatives.
“This project is an affirmation of our shared commitment in the face of evolving threats. Terrorism and violent extremism do not recognize borders, and coordinated efforts like the Accra Initiative are critical,” he said.
Recalling Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s 2022 visit to Ghana, the Ambassador reiterated Japan’s dedication to peace and stability in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea regions.
“The Accra Initiative aligns with Japan’s longstanding principle of locally-driven efforts. We are proud to have contributed to laying the foundation for long-term impact in this region.”
Ms. Shaima Hussien of UNDP Ghana emphasized the increasing urgency of such collaborative efforts.
“According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, the Sahel region now accounts for over 50% of global terrorism. The security landscape continues to deteriorate rapidly, making initiatives like this not only timely but essential,” she said.
She extended gratitude to the Government of Japan and KAIPTC for their leadership and commitment to peace and development in the subregion.
The closure of this capacity-building project marks a significant milestone in regional security cooperation, but leaders at the event made it clear that the work is far from over.
“We look forward to continuing this year’s collaboration and many more of such fruitful partnerships in the future,” said Brigadier General Ayorrogo.
As violent extremism and instability continue to threaten the Sahel and West Africa, the Accra Initiative stands as a strong example of what can be achieved when regional actors, international partners, and expert institutions like KAIPTC unite for a common cause.
