Demonstrating a strong and results-driven partnership, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and  Elsie Initiative for Uniformed Women through the Global Affairs, Canada  successfully delivered the National Level Reinforcement Training Package for Military Gender Advisors (RTP-MGA) at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). 

The course commenced on Tuesday, 24 March and concluded on Thursday, 2 April 2026.

The course, which marks the first  project under Phase Two of the Elsie Initiative projects   under the Bilateral Partnership with the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada (GAC), was fully sponsored by the Elsie Initiative for Uniformed Women. 

The nine-day training strengthened the capacity of Military Gender Advisors (GENADs) and Gender Focal Points (GFPs) to drive gender mainstreaming in both operational and institutional contexts.

The course was designed to  provide intermediate training for GENADs and GFPs who had previously undergone basic training under Phase One of the Bilateral Partnership with the Elsie Initiative, which concluded in 2024.

The closing ceremony was chaired by the Deputy Commandant of KAIPTC, Brigadier General Zibrim Bawah Ayorrogo. In his remarks, he commended all partners and participants for their contributions towards advancing United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), while calling for greater inclusiveness across other security services.

Gender Advisors and Gender Focal Points from across the Ghana Armed Forces who participated in the course departed better equipped as agents of change, reinforcing a shared commitment between partners and beneficiaries to advancing gender equality and building more inclusive and effective peacekeeping and working environments.

Other distinguished dignitaries included Gender Policy Advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff, Group Captain Theodora Agornyo; and  the Senior Liaison Officer, GAC, at the Canadian High Commission in Ghana, Mrs Bertha Desmennu. Also present was the  GAF Point of Contact for the Elsie Initiative  and Gender Adviser, Department of International Peace Support Operations, Colonel Elvis Asamoah.

Special recognition was extended to the Elsie Initiative and Global Affairs Canada for their vital and continuous support in delivering the training and advancing GAF women’s meaningful participation in peace operations . 

The course was  delivered by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) on behalf of the Elsie Initiative,  represented by Colonel William Nortey, with support from the Women, Youth, Peace and Security Institute, KAIPTC