Brigadier General Lawrence Deku has tasked peace and security experts to deepen collaboration to address Africa’s complex security challenges. The Deputy Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre made this call in Accra. He highlighted the urgent need for diverse expertise to tackle the continent's evolving threats effectively.
These threats include food insecurity, political crises, and maritime insecurity, alongside activities of violent extremists. Brig. Gen. Deku stressed that new strategies and expertise are essential from professionals across various fields. He emphasized moving from individual expertise to collective intelligence and from isolated interventions to collaborative problem-solving.
This call for enhanced collaboration fits into Ghana's broader commitment to regional stability and economic growth. Peace and security are fundamental for attracting investment and ensuring sustainable development across Africa. Ghana, as a regional leader, often champions initiatives that promote stability and economic resilience.
Brig. Gen. Deku, in a speech read on his behalf, urged members of the Association of Conflict, Peace and Security Experts in Africa (ACPSEA) to use their skills. He asked them to help shape policies and decisions that promote peace and sustainable development. He stated, “We need to move from knowledge production to knowledge utilisation.”
The implications of stronger collaboration are significant for Ghana and the wider continent. Enhanced security can lead to more stable environments for business and trade. It can also reduce the economic costs associated with conflict and displacement. Decision-makers and markets will watch for concrete actions stemming from these calls for partnership.
The General Assembly and Induction Ceremony of ACPSEA saw 77 members inducted from Ghana and other African countries. The event’s theme was “From Conflict to Cooperation: Enhancing Peace, Security and Sustainable Development in Africa.” ACPSEA was launched on March 10, 2026, bringing together stakeholders from academia, security institutions, and civil society.
Mr. Isaac Asare, Founder and President of ACPSEA, stated that peace and security are fundamental for Africa’s economic and social transformation. He called for more proactive measures in conflict resolution. Mr. Asare stressed that early warnings must lead to early actions to prevent escalation.
He also emphasized strengthening mediation, dialogue, and other non-adversarial dispute resolution mechanisms. Peacebuilding, he added, must become a sustained investment rather than an intervention only after conflict has escalated. The Association aims to build a continental network of professionals to support peacebuilding initiatives.
Rear Admiral Geoffrey Mawuli Biekro (Rtd) urged ACPSEA to collaborate closely with policymakers. He also called for the establishment of standards for training and certification of peace and security professionals. Madam Kazia Kenneth Azumah, Country Coordinator, advised young people and communities to reject violence and resolve conflicts through dialogue.