Chief of Staff to the Vice President, Alex Segbefia, has called on African nations to take greater ownership of their peace and development agenda, saying that Africa should no longer be sidelined in global affairs.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the Kofi Annan Peace Keeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), he said, “Africa should no longer be seen as a mere spectator in global affairs but as a confident and proactive actor in shaping its own destiny.”

He said the continent’s youthful population, innovation, and digital transformation present immense opportunities for growth, even amid security challenges such as violent extremism, terrorism, and illicit trafficking.

“Our continent faces a complex interplay of terrorism, violent extremism, illicit trafficking, and insecurity, yet within these challenges lie immense opportunities driven by a vibrant youth population, innovation, and digital transformation.”

He said the government is committed to strengthening Ghana’s peace and security architecture to safeguard the country, adding that there’s a diplomatic strategy to reintegrate the Sahel States into a common community.

“Our progress depends on the collective stability of our neighbours. U.R were of the bold diplomatic engagement to reintegrate our brothers and sisters from the Sahel region, from the Sahel State; Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso into our community, and with the collaborative work of our northern neighbours.”

As part of the government efforts to expand KAIPTC’s training facility, enhance regional collaboration, and deepen Ghana’s leadership in international peacekeeping, Mr Segbefia assured that the government has approved the revival and completion of the KAIPTC building complex through public-private partnership.

“I have been informed that the Ministry of Defense has given approval for the abandoned project to be revived and completed through a robust public and private partnership.”

He also appreciated the institution for its consistent contribution to training professionals for peacekeeping and security across the continent.

He urged African nations to embrace unity, innovation, and long-term investment into institutions that maintain peace and stability, pointing out that true peace is achieved when citizens live free from fear and have equal opportunities to thrive.