The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) Office in Accra, held a solemn Flag-Raising and Wreath Laying ceremony to commemorate the 77th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Thursday, 29th May, 2025 at the Forecourt of the State House, under the theme “The Future of Peacekeeping: Strengthening Partnerships and Multilateralism in Ghana and Beyond”.
Delivering his statement, the Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu underscored the essential role peacekeepers play, not only as soldiers but as advocates, leaders, and collaborators in building resilient societies in the face of challenges such as geopolitical tensions, climate threats and inadequate resources.
He encouraged state actors to support peace missions through multilateral cooperation, adequate resourcing, and advocacy for training and capacity building. He further stated that Ghana’s continued dedication to peacekeeping efforts is reflected in the service and sacrifice of its courageous men and women across United Nations missions.
He advocated for strengthening collaboration between the United Nations and other organizations, such as the African Union, in the maintenance of international peace and security as enshrined in the UN Charter, leveraging on the Security Council’s resolution 2719 (2023) in tackling current challenges in modern peacekeeping missions.
Mr. Osama Makkawi Khogali, the Resident Coordinator ad Interim and UNICEF Representative in Ghana, on his part, extended the UN’s deepest gratitude to the Government and people of Ghana for the sacrifices of its dedicated security personnel and civilian partners towards global peace and security. He noted that Ghana has been a steadfast pillar in UN’s peacekeeping efforts since the early 1960s and ranked 7th among 122 troop-contributing nations.
In presenting H. E. António Guterrez’s statement on the nexus between peacekeeping and multilateralism: “Advancing peacekeeping is advancing multilateralism” he underscored the need to commit more resources towards the de-escalation and prevention of global conflict.
He paid tribute to the over 4,400 fallen blue helmet heroes, of whom 57 were lost in 2024, including two Ghanaians who will receive the Dag Hammarskjold Medal posthumously in New York.
The ceremony was attended by members of the Diplomatic Corps, government officials, traditional leaders, security personnel, students from some selected schools, and a cross-section of the media.
