Accra: Ghana has called on the international community to increase investment in peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and peacebuilding initiatives, stressing that sustainable peace remains essential for global stability, economic development, and human security. The country emphasized that peace requires deliberate commitment, strong institutions, effective diplomacy, and collective action to address emerging security threats and promote lasting stability worldwide.
According to Ghana News Agency, the call was made at a solemn flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony in Accra to commemorate the 78th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers. The event was observed under the theme: 'Investing in Peace.' It brought together government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of the United Nations, security agencies, and peacekeeping veterans to honor the sacrifices of peacekeepers who have served and lost their lives in the pursuit of global peace and security.
The International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed annually on May 29 to honor the dedication, service, and sacrifice of peacekeepers worldwide. The United Nations reports that over 51,000 civilian, military, and police personnel are currently serving in 11 peacekeeping missions globally, protecting civilians, monitoring ceasefires, facilitating humanitarian assistance, and supporting political processes in fragile and conflict-affected states.
Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, speaking on behalf of the Government of Ghana, stated that peace is not accidental but the product of deliberate investment in institutions, professionalism, diplomacy, and vigilance. He emphasized that investment in peace extends beyond financial contributions to support strong institutions, preventive diplomacy, conflict resolution mechanisms, effective peacekeeping operations, and resilient communities.
He observed that the world continues to grapple with protracted conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, organized crime, political instability, climate-related security threats, and humanitarian crises, making the work of United Nations peacekeepers increasingly indispensable. Despite operating in volatile and dangerous environments, peacekeepers provide hope and stability to millions of vulnerable people globally.
Mr. Quayson highlighted that Ghana remains firmly committed to the principles and ideals of the United Nations Charter and has consistently contributed to global peacekeeping operations over several decades. He noted that Ghanaian military and police personnel have distinguished themselves in missions in countries including Lebanon, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, earning international respect for their professionalism and discipline.
The Deputy Minister also highlighted the contribution of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre as a leading institution in Africa for building capacity in peace support operations and preparing personnel to respond effectively to evolving security challenges. He urged the international community to ensure that peacekeeping missions receive adequate resources, clear mandates, and strong political support to succeed.
Mr. Zia Choudhury, UN Resident Coordinator in Ghana, described UN peacekeeping as one of the international community's most effective tools for supporting political solutions, protecting civilians, and enabling humanitarian assistance in conflict zones. He expressed concern over increasing attacks against peacekeepers by both state and non-state actors, describing such actions as unacceptable and a threat to international efforts to maintain peace and protect civilians.
Mr. Choudhury noted that the International Day of UN Peacekeepers provides an opportunity to honor more than 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives in service since 1948. He said that 59 peacekeepers died in active service in 2025 alone, including Warrant Officer Class One George Amin of the Ghana Armed Forces, who lost his life while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in February 2025.
He mentioned that the fallen peacekeepers, along with nine others who died in the previous year, would be posthumously honored with the Dag Hammarskj¶ld Medal at a ceremony in New York on June 5. Mr. Choudhury also highlighted the current budget reductions in peacekeeping operations worldwide, resulting in fewer personnel and a reduced operational footprint. He stressed the urgent need for member states to pay their assessed contributions fully and on time to sustain peacekeeping operations.
While the annual UN peacekeeping budget stands at approximately US$6 billion, Mr. Choudhury pointed out that the cost of war can range between US$500 million and US$1 billion per day, making peacekeeping a cost-effective investment. He emphasized, "Now is the time to invest in peace, not in war."
The UN Resident Coordinator commended Ghana for its long-standing commitment to peacekeeping since the 1960s and described the country as one of the leading contributors of uniformed personnel to UN missions. He disclosed that Ghana currently deploys more than 1,900 military and police personnel, including 337 women, across eight UN peacekeeping operations worldwide. He also praised Ghana's efforts to promote women's participation in peacekeeping, noting that women constitute about 18 percent of Ghana's peacekeeping personnel, nearly twice the global average.