The Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS) of the Ghana Armed Forces has been certified by the United Nations as an international training facility.

The School, which is located at Bundase around Tema was established in June 2021 for training troops for peace support operations.

Subsequently, it has been instrumental in graduating men and women for peace support operations in the sub-region and other parts of the world.

But the absence of a certificate from the UN meant that the school was not yet up to international standards.

This hurdle has now been removed, following the school's acquisition of the much-needed UN training certificate to upgrade its status.

Presenting the certificate to the school, the Chief of the Army Staff, Major Thomas Oppong-Peprah, said Ghana's participation in global peace support operations will move to another level following the acquisition of the certificate.

Addressing a gathering of personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces at Bundase on Thursday, Major Oppong-Peprah was full of gratitude for the feat chalked by the school.

He stressed that the recognition by the UN will further propel the Ghana Armed Forces in contributing to global peace and the defence of the entire sub-region.

"APOTS has become the enviable institution that will soon commence training partnerships with sister countries in the region.

"It will additionally conduct short-duration tactical courses in the areas of Peace Support Operations.

"Finally, APOTS will also undertake research in the area of Peace Support Operations and and develop reference materials which would eventually lead to the establishment of a PSO library", he added.

As the brain behind the establishment of the school, he further expressed optimism about the future prospects of the school.

On his part, the commander of the school, Colonel CK Dingane, added that apart from the training of military troops, the school is opened to equipping interested persons in the dynamics of peacekeeping.

He also highlighted some challenges facing the school.

The ceremony also saw the commissioning of three news projects at the school in Bundase.

The projects included the Bundase Spring Water Production Site, a facility for producing water for the school; a regimental aid post, to serve as a clinical facility for the school as well as a social centre.

The Chief of the Army Staff also held a durbar with personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces, amidst a parade and armed drills by the Ghana Armed Forces during the event.