Ghana has been selected by the United Nations as the venue for the upcoming UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference, marking the first occurrence of this event on the African continent. 

Defence Minister Dominic Nitiwul shared details during a press briefing, highlighting the significance of the global conference scheduled for December 5 to 6, 2023.

Mr Nitiwul emphasised that moving the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference to Accra underscores Ghana's expanding role in international peacekeeping efforts. 

Currently chairing the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping, Ghana will host foreign and defence ministers, heads of international organisations, academia, social partners, civil society organisations, and global journalists.

Anticipating 80 to 100 member states and over 600 registered delegates, the conference will address crucial themes such as the role of women in peacekeeping, protection of civilians, mental health of peacekeepers, safety and security, and strategic communications.

Highlighting Ghana's surpassing of UN targets for the inclusion of women in peacekeeping operations, Mr Nitiwul expressed the country's honour in initiating discussions on this vital issue.

The two-day event will commence with a welcome reception at the Accra International Conference Centre, featuring side meetings on "women in peacekeeping" and "environmental aspects of peacekeeping," in collaboration with Sweden and the US, respectively.

Ghana's Vice-President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, will address the main conference on the second day, followed by panel sessions on the selected themes.

A digital exhibition spotlighting Africa's role in the UN Peacekeeping Enterprise will be a prominent feature.

Mr Nitiwul highlighted Ghana's commitment to leveraging the conference for bilateral and multilateral partnerships, emphasising its critical importance not only to Ghana but to the entire African continent.