Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Gyenfi, has called for a fundamental rethink of how peace operations are designed, funded, and executed, warning that the global peace architecture is under mounting pressure from geopolitical instability, growing polarisation, and an acute funding crisis.
Speaking at the 2025 Challenges Annual Forum (CAF25) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) in Accra, Mr Gyenfi described the gathering as a timely intervention, coinciding with the United Nations’ comprehensive review of peace operations under the UN80 initiative.
“The UN’s review offers a real opportunity to reflect, recalibrate, and reimagine peace operations for a turbulent century,” he stated.
“The burning question before us is: how do we adapt and advance to ensure peace operations remain credible, effective, and relevant?”
Mr Gyenfi began by reaffirming Ghana’s unwavering dedication to global peacekeeping, recalling its earliest deployment in the Congo in 1960 and its continued involvement in missions across Lebanon, Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Mali.
“Our commitment is born out of the conviction that peace anywhere contributes to stability everywhere,” he said. “Ghana has stood firmly in defence of multilateralism and collective security.”
He paid tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of Ghanaian peacekeepers military, police, and civilian many of whom, he noted, had paid the ultimate price in service to peace.
Drawing from Ghana’s experience, Mr Gyenfi argued that peace operations must now evolve beyond traditional mandates.
“Peacekeeping as we know it must adapt. Mandates must reflect new realities, and regional perspectives must be central to mission design if they are to succeed.”
He praised KAIPTC named after the late Nobel Peace Prize laureate Kofi Annan as a hub for training, innovation, and regional cooperation, reaffirming Ghana’s readiness to support the ongoing UN peace operations review.
Highlighting UN Security Council Resolution 2719 (2023), the Deputy Minister called for a strengthening of the role of regional organisations like ECOWAS and the African Union in conflict prevention and resolution.
“Africa must not only respond to crises it must shape peace. Yet political, financial and operational barriers continue to hinder regional leadership.”
To this end, Ghana advocates for innovative financing models and closer collaboration between the UN and African-led operations to boost legitimacy and operational impact.
Climate change, Mr Gyenfi warned, is now a “direct driver of instability,” fuelling displacement, conflict over resources, and communal violence particularly across West Africa and the Sahel.
“It is no longer an environmental issue it is a security imperative,” he declared.
He applauded President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to establish a Ministry for Climate Change and Sustainability under the Resetting Ghana Agenda, positioning the country to lead globally on the climate-security nexus.
Addressing the digital dimensions of modern peacekeeping, the Deputy Minister emphasised that emerging technologies from AI and drones to data systems must be wielded carefully.
“The digital revolution is reshaping both conflict and peace. We must innovate responsibly, harnessing technology for peace, while defending against its misuse.”
He noted the increasing use of misinformation campaigns by adversaries to undermine missions, making strategic communications and cyber resilience essential tools for future operations.
Amid tightening UN budgets, Gyenfi stressed that peace operations must focus on core, high-impact priorities, including early prevention, inclusive governance, and local ownership of peace processes.
“Lessons from previous missions have shown us the way. What is missing is not insight, but action,” he said.
He cited the importance of early warning systems, civil-military coordination, community engagement, and the inclusion of youth and women as essential to building sustainable peace.
He also underscored the continuing relevance of security sector reform, rule of law, and transitional justice in post-conflict recovery.
Mr Gyenfi urged delegates to move beyond diagnosing the challenges of peacekeeping and to focus on generating bold, actionable solutions.
“The Challenges Forum is about moving from reflection to renewal, from adaptation to advancement,” he said. “Ghana stands ready to share its experiences, champion innovation, and support reforms that will make peace operations more agile, inclusive and effective.”
He emphasised the importance of inclusive multilateralism, drawing inspiration from Kofi Annan’s legacy.
“This era of global challenges leaves us no choice but cooperation at the global level. That spirit must guide our deliberations here in Accra.”
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