A delegation from the French Army paid a courtesy call on the Deputy Defence Minister, Hon Ernest Brogya Genfi at The Square. The aim of the visit is to strengthen ties between France and Ghana and further establish collaborative efforts for mutual benefit.

Commander of the French Army in Africa, General Pastel Zenni appreciated the friendship between both countries and emphasised that, the France government has in place new measures to work with its African partners by closing all permanent bases in Africa by end of July, create new ways of partnerships and create missions with timelines.

Speaking at the event, the French Defence Attaché (DA) to Ghana, Colonel (Col) Madelin applauded the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) for excellence in training and research in peacekeeping operations which also serves as an institution that develops knowledge in French and English. He made a passionate appeal for other institutions to emulate KAIPTC’s holistic approach to strengthen the Francophone and Anglophone collaboration.

Hon Ernest Brogya Genfi addressing the delegation said, France and Ghana have had a strong history of military cooperation, focusing on training, capacity building, and regional security initiatives.

The Deputy Minister assured them of the government of Ghana’s efforts to ensure peace in the Sahel region. He affirmed that, the French proficiency is essential for operations in Africa and entreated that other institutions will emulate KAIPTC in order to bridge the language barrier in peace operations.