Accra: The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in collaboration with the Government of Japan and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has successfully concluded a one-year initiative aimed at bolstering the capabilities of the member states of the Accra Initiative in their fight against terrorism, violent extremism, and cross-border insecurity in West Africa and the Sahel.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project, titled "Support to Strengthen Capacities for Promoting Efficiency in the Implementation of the Accra Initiative (AI) in West Africa and the Sahel," ran from March 2024 to March 2025. It utilized research, dialogue, and capacity building to engage both state and non-state actors in enhancing skills and knowledge among security stakeholders, while also building community resilience to mitigate threats to peace and security across the region.
Launched in 2017, the Accra Initiative was established by Ghana, Benin, Togo, C´te d'Ivoire, and Burkina Faso, with Mali and Niger joining later and Nigeria participating as an observer. The initiative aims to enhance intelligence sharing, security cooperation, and coordinated responses to the growing threats of terrorism and violent extremism that have been spilling over from the Sahel into coastal West Africa.
At the project's closing ceremony held at the KAIPTC in Accra, Japan's Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Hiroshi Yoshimoto, reaffirmed Japan's commitment to peace and stability in Africa. He highlighted the pressing threats posed by terrorism and violent extremism that transcend borders, emphasizing the importance of coordinated and sustained responses, such as those fostered by the Accra Initiative.
Mr. Yoshimoto also recalled Prime Minister Kishida's visit to Ghana in 2022, during which Japan pledged to contribute to peace and stability in the Sahel and Gulf of Guinea. He noted that the project reflects that pledge and lays a foundation for the long-term impact of the Accra Initiative, aligning with Japan's broader engagements through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD).
Brigadier General Zibrim Ayorrogo Bawah, Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, expressed appreciation to the Government of Japan and the UNDP for their continuous support over the past decade. He noted the unique structure of the Accra Initiative, which focuses on capacity building, information sharing, inter-agency collaboration, and close cooperation, remains essential in countering terrorism in the sub-region.
The project delivered two training courses in Accra and Mali, a regional policy seminar in Abuja, and two research publications to guide policy formulation. Consultative meetings were held in several countries, including Ghana, Benin, Togo, C´te d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, with Nigeria participating as an observer state. A Learning Design and Development Workshop at KAIPTC ensured context-specific and up-to-date training content.
Ms. Shaima Hussien, Deputy Resident Representative of UNDP Ghana, highlighted the worsening security landscape in the Sahel, with the 2025 Global Terrorism Index indicating that the region accounts for over half of global terrorism deaths. She warned of the alarming trend of extremist activities spilling over into coastal states.
Ms. Hussien praised the commitment of the participating countries to the project and assured that UNDP would continue supporting the Accra Initiative beyond its completion, focusing on strengthening early warning systems, promoting inclusive governance, and scaling successful approaches to sustain the gains made.