The Headquarters Northern Command (N/COMD) has held a closing ceremony for the Pre-Deployment Training for the Prevention of Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Conflict Course on Friday 12 December 2025.

The course, organised by the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security, brought together selected personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for an intensive capacity-building program aimed at strengthening the military’s child protection responsibilities during operations.

Speaking on behalf of the General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Brigadier General Worlanyo Agbebo, the Command Logistics Officer, Colonel Francis Baah, said the training equipped participants with practical skills for handling children affected by conflict. He noted that the course enhances the operational effectiveness of the GAF in complex environments, including peacekeeping missions, counter-insurgency operations, and humanitarian engagements.

Colonel Baah urged participants to champion stronger child protection policies and interventions within the Armed Forces and expressed appreciation to the Dallaire Institute for its sustained partnership and support.

The Focal Point Officer to the Dallaire Institute, Major General (Rtd) William Omane-Agyekum, congratulated the trainees on their successful completion of the course. He commended the participants and facilitators for their professionalism and dedication, stressing the need for personnel to prioritise the safety of children and to recognise them as victims requiring protection rather than combatants.

The Project Director of the Dallaire Institute, Mr Arsene Mubendi Tshidimu, also took turn to commend the participants for their commitment throughout the training. He noted that military personnel were often the first point of contact with vulnerable populations, making it crucial for them to adopt child-sensitive approaches.

He emphasised that preventive measures, rather than reactive responses, remain essential for sustainable peace and effective security operations.
Mr Tshidimu further acknowledged the support of international partners, including the Government of Canada, for their continued collaboration in strengthening child protection frameworks of Ghana.