2023 International Day of UN Peacekeepers statement by the Hon Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Thomas Mbomba

On this auspicious occasion of the flag-raising and wreath laying ceremony in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, I stand before you with great pride and honour to pay tribute to the remarkable achievements of United Nations Peacekeepers who have selflessly dedicated themselves to the cause of peace, security, and stability across the globe.

Before I proceed with the substance of my statement, allow me to extend a warm welcome to all the distinguished guests in attendance today. Your presence is a testament to the importance we collectively attach to the work of peacekeepers and the commitment we share to promote peace and security worldwide. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to the UN Resident Coordinator, the Ghana Armed Forces, the Security Services, and the Inter-Ministerial Ad-Hoc Committee for their invaluable contribution to the success of this occasion.

Excellencies,

As one of the pioneering Troop Contributing Countries of the United Nations peacekeeping efforts, Ghana recognises the key role that the United Nations plays in the maintenance of international peace and security. We have volunteered approximately 100,000 uniformed personnel as well as civilians in various capacities in more than 35 UN Missions around the world. Our uniformed personnel have served with pride and distinction since the 1960s, working in diverse and challenging conflict and post-conflict situations. Their contributions have not only brought hope to conflict-affected regions but have also brought honour and pride to our nation.

For 75 years, UN peacekeepers have played a vital role in saving lives, protecting civilians, and rebuilding communities torn apart by conflict. These brave men and women have faced immense challenges and danger while striving to achieve extraordinary outcomes. Their unwavering commitment, sacrifice, and dedication deserve our utmost admiration and gratitude.

Ghana has witnessed firsthand the impact of our peacekeepers in restoring stability, promoting dialogue, and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we gather here, it is a momentous time for Ghana, to be entrusted with the privilege of hosting the upcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference. This significant event will bring together leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders from around the world to deliberate on the challenges and opportunities facing UN peacekeeping operations. It will provide a platform to share experiences, exchange best practices, and strengthen partnerships in our collective pursuit of sustainable peace.

During the conference, we will focus on critical issues such as the protection of civilians, improving the safety and security of peacekeepers, advancing the Women, Peace, and Security agenda, and strengthening the performance and accountability of peacekeeping operations. We aim to harness the collective wisdom and experiences of the international community to identify innovative solutions and strategies that will shape the future of UN peacekeeping.

Excellencies,

The changing nature and specifics of modern conflicts, complicated by terrorist threats, and dire humanitarian and socio-economic situations, pose a challenge to the international community. It is regrettable that despite the noble mission that the Blue Helmets carry out every day in extremely difficult and dangerous conditions, we continue to witness an upsurge in conflicts and war situations in many parts of the world. This underscores the need for continued support from Member States and communities to enable UN Peacekeepers carry out their mandate effectively. For this reason the theme for this year’s UN Peacekeepers Day “Peace Begins with me” could not have been appropriately chosen.

The deliberate targeting of peacekeepers is a cause of deep concern to the Government of Ghana. We mourn the loss of those personnel who have paid the ultimate price with their lives in the line of duty. We commend the selfless contribution of all peacekeepers of the UN, the African Union, and regional organizations who are carrying out their duties honourably. We also express our condolences to the Member States and families of those killed in action.

In line with our commitment to international peace, Ghana supports the view that international peacekeeping must evolve to better respond to the dramatic changes in the nature and scale of armed conflict. Organized crime, terrorism, and gender-based violence, which have compounded intra-state conflicts, remain a major source of concern. Consequently, there is the need to strengthen the centrality of the United Nations partnership with regional and sub-regional bodies such as the African Union and European Union.

We also recognize the indispensable role of women in peacekeeping and support efforts by the United Nations to increase women's participation in peacekeeping. Ghana has increasingly been fielding female peacekeepers, both from the military and police units, and we are committed to improving gender parity and integration for effective peacekeeping. Permit me to take this opportunity to congratulate Captain Cecilia Erzuah of the Ghana Armed Forces who has been awarded the 2022 United Nations “Military Gender Advocate of the Year award” in recognition of her role in mainstreaming gender issues in her peacekeeping duties in accordance with UN SCR 1325. Captain Erzuah was deployed in March 2022 to serve in the UN Interim Security Forces in Abyei (UNISFA) as commander of the Ghanaian Engagement Platoon. Her achievement is worthy of emulation.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In conclusion, let us use this occasion to reaffirm our commitment to peace and pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of peacekeepers around the world. May their unwavering dedication and resilience inspire us all to take action, to build bridges, and to strive for a world where peace and prosperity prevails.

I thank you for your kind attention.