By: Hannah Dadzie
Ghana has called for increased global investment in peacekeeping, conflict prevention and peacebuilding efforts, warning that the cost of conflict far outweighs the cost of sustaining peace.
Speaking at a flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony in Accra to mark the 78th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, said peace is not accidental but the result of deliberate investments in strong institutions, preventive diplomacy, effective peacekeeping operations and resilient communities.
“The cost of conflict outweighs the cost of prevention. Every effort made toward sustaining peace contributes to global stability, economic development and the protection of future generations,” he said.
Mr. Quayson noted that the world continues to face a range of security threats, including protracted conflicts, terrorism, violent extremism, organised crime, political instability, climate-related security challenges and humanitarian crises, making the role of United Nations peacekeepers more critical than ever.
He said peacekeeping operations continue to provide hope and stability to millions of vulnerable people despite operating in increasingly complex and dangerous environments.
“Today, we gather not only to honour the memory of the brave women and men who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of humanity, but also to recognise the dedication, professionalism and resilience of all peacekeepers serving in United Nations peacekeeping operations across the world. Their service in volatile and dangerous environments exemplifies the vigilance, discipline and international cooperation required to sustain peace and security,” Mr. Quayson said.
He explained that investing in peace goes beyond financial contributions and includes strengthening multilateral cooperation, supporting mediation and peacebuilding efforts, enhancing peacekeeping capacities, promoting inclusive governance and empowering women and young people as agents of peace and security.
“This occasion reminds us that peace is neither automatic nor self-sustaining,” he added.
The Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister said Ghana remains committed to the principles of the United Nations Charter and continues to play a significant role in global peacekeeping efforts through the deployment of military and police personnel to missions in Lebanon, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo and other conflict-affected areas.
According to him, the professionalism and sacrifice of Ghanaian peacekeepers have earned the country international recognition as a champion of peace and security.
Mr. Quayson also highlighted the contribution of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in preparing peacekeepers and civilian personnel to respond to evolving security threats across Africa and beyond.
He further called for stronger cooperation between the United Nations and regional organisations, particularly the African Union, to address emerging security challenges and ensure peacekeeping missions are adequately resourced and supported.
The United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ghana, Zia Choudhury, expressed concern over the growing threats facing peacekeepers, noting that attacks, intimidation and restrictions imposed by both state and non-state actors continue to undermine efforts to maintain peace and protect civilians.
“More civilians are at risk from conflict even as peacekeeping operations confront significant resource constraints. Yet UN peacekeeping remains one of the international community’s most effective tools for supporting political solutions, preventing escalation, protecting civilians, monitoring ceasefires and enabling humanitarian assistance,” Mr. Choudhury said.
He disclosed that more than 50,000 civilian, military and police personnel are currently serving under the UN flag worldwide, helping to protect civilians, support political processes, monitor ceasefires and facilitate humanitarian assistance.
The UN Resident Coordinator also revealed that since the establishment of UN peacekeeping operations, more than 4,500 peacekeepers have lost their lives in the service of peace.
In 2025 alone, 59 peacekeepers died while serving under the UN flag, including Warrant Officer Class One George Amin of the Ghana Armed Forces, who lost his life while serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon in February this year.
Mr. Choudhury noted that Ghana remains one of the leading contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping operations, currently deploying more than 1,900 military and police personnel across eight UN missions worldwide.
He commended Ghana’s efforts to increase the participation of women in peacekeeping, revealing that women account for 18 percent of the country’s deployed peacekeepers, nearly twice the global average.
“Today, Ghana is among the leading contributors of uniformed personnel to UN peacekeeping and currently deploys more than 1,900 military and police personnel, including 337 women across eight UN operations. Thank you, Ghana,” he said
The International Day of UN Peacekeepers is marked annually on May 29 to honour the dedication, service and sacrifice of peacekeepers working in some of the world’s most challenging environments.
This year’s commemoration was under the theme, “Investing in Peace.”
The fallen peacekeepers, together with nine others who died in the previous year, will be honoured posthumously with the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal at a ceremony in New York on June 5.
