KAIPTC graduates 162, urged to lead with integrity

A total of 162 students graduated from the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) with Master of Arts degrees during the institution's 15th graduation ceremony. The event, held in Accra on Friday, June 26, 2026, focused on the theme: "Between Intention, (In)Action, and Impact: The Double-Edged Nature of State Posturing."

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While this [certificate] confirms that you met the academic standards of the Centre, I believe it represents something even more important. It reflects the character, discipline, and responsibility expected of students of KAIPTC.

Air Vice Marshal David Anettey Akrong, Commandant of KAIPTC, addressed the graduates, emphasizing the importance of perseverance and integrity as they embark on their new roles. He described integrity as a "non-negotiable" core value, warning that many of Africa's current challenges stem from failures in ethical leadership. "Integrity is the foundation of leadership and the basis of trust. Many of the challenges facing Africa and the international community today can be linked to failures of integrity and ethical leadership," Akrong stated.

He further noted that while academic qualifications open doors, it is character that determines long-term success. The Commandant reminded the graduates that they are now ambassadors of the Centre, which bears the name of the late Kofi Annan, and urged them to uphold its legacy with honor. The graduates earned degrees in MA in Gender, Peace and Security; MA in Conflict, Peace and Security; and Executive MA in Conflict, Peace and Security.

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Integrity is the foundation of leadership and the basis of trust. Many of the challenges facing Africa and the international community today can be linked to failures of integrity and ethical leadership. If we are to change the trajectory of our continent and contribute to a better future, integrity must remain non-negotiable.

Supreme Court Judge, Justice Professor Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu, served as the Keynote Speaker. She charged the Conflict Studies graduates to bring fresh perspectives at a time when conventional rules seem ineffective. Acknowledging the fragility of the international regime, she stressed its value over anarchy and called for renewed commitment to multilateralism, preventive diplomacy, and civilian protection as responses to existential threats. She also cautioned about the evolving nature of armed conflict due to new technologies and non-state actors, highlighting the impact of unmanned aerial weapons and drones.

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While acknowledging that the international regime is fragile, she said it is still better than nothing, and called for renewed commitment to multilateralism, preventive diplomacy and the protection of civilians as the best response to today's existential threats.