The Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Air Vice Marshal (AVM) David Anettey Akrong, has urged graduates of the centre to anchor their careers on perseverance and integrity as they step into new roles.
Speaking at the centre’s 15th graduation ceremony, the Commandant described integrity as a “non-negotiable” KAIPTC core value imbibed in the students, and warned that many of Africa’s challenges stemmed from failures of ethical leadership.
“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.
“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,” the commandant said.
Air Vice Marshal Akrong said while qualifications opened doors, character would determine how far they could go as graduates of KAIPTC.
Graduation, awards
The graduation, held at the centre in Accra, was on the theme: “Between Intention, (in) Action and Impact: The Double-Edged Nature of State Posturing”.
It was chaired by the Commandant, with a justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Professor Henrietta Mensah-Bonsu, as the keynote speaker and special guest.
A total of 162 students graduated with Master of Arts degrees at the ceremony.
They read programmes such as Master of Arts (MA) in Gender, Peace and Security; MA in Conflict, Peace and Security; and Executive MA in Conflict, Peace and Security.
Elsie Adwoa Adutwumwaa Boateng emerged as the overall best graduating student and valedictorian, and also won the Best Graduating Student in MA in Gender, Peace and Security.
Desmond Ofosuhene was adjudged Best Graduating Student in MA in Conflict, Peace and Security, while Yvonne Ofosua Yirenkyi took the award for Best Graduating Student in Executive MA in Conflict, Peace and Security.
