The Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Brigadier General Lawrence Deku, has urged participants of the 2026 United Nations Mili
The report indicates that the Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Brigadier General Lawrence Deku, has urged participants of the 2026 United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers (UNMO ToT) Course to become ambassadors of United Nations training standards and ensure that the knowledge acquired is transferred to future peacekeepers.
It further notes that he stated effective peacekeeping begins long before deployment, stressing the critical role of training institutions in preparing military personnel for the increasingly complex demands of modern peace operations.
Brigadier General Deku made the remarks at the close of the UNMO ToT Course held at KAIPTC, Ghana, from 17 to 28 August 2026, in collaboration with the United Nations Integrated Training Service (UN ITS).
The course was fully funded by the Canadian Ministry of Defence and brought together 24 participants, including four officers from the Ghana Armed Forces and 20 international participants.
According to Brigadier General Deku, the two-week programme achieved its objective of strengthening participants’ capacity to deliver the United Nations Military Observers Specialised Training Materials (UNMO STM) 2025 in accordance with UN standards.
He stated the training combined instructional methodology with practical lesson delivery, peer learning, mentoring, continuous assessment and a comprehensive tabletop exercise, equipping participants with the competencies required to deliver military observer training in their respective national training institutions.
“It is my distinct pleasure to join you today as we bring the United Nations Military Observers Training of Trainers Course to a close,” he said.
“Two weeks ago, we gathered here with a common purpose: to strengthen your capacity to deliver the United Nations Military Observers Specialised Training Materials in line with United Nations standards. Today, I am pleased to see that you have achieved this objective through your dedication, professionalism and commitment.”
Brigadier General Deku commended the participants for their active engagement, thoughtful discussions and professionalism throughout the programme, saying their performance demonstrated the value of combining standardised training materials with practical instructional methods.
He stated the participants performed particularly well during their presentations, demonstrating the knowledge, competencies and individual skills acquired during the course.
The Deputy Commandant emphasised that the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations is closely linked to the quality of training personnel receive before deployment.
“Effective peacekeeping begins long before deployment,” he said. “It begins in institutions such as these, where professional knowledge is shared, best practices are exchanged, and future trainers are equipped to prepare others for the demanding realities of modern peace operations.”
He stated the course provided an important platform for participants from different countries to exchange experiences and perspectives while developing their capacity to train military observers to operate professionally in challenging peacekeeping environments.
The course was led by Colonel Samson Adeola Salawu and a team from UN ITS, supported by two instructors from KAIPTC.
