Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security has organised a week-long training session for personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Ghana Police Service (GPS) on preventing the recruitment and use of children in armed violence.

The training, held from 3 to 7 February 2025 at the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS), Bundase, delved into understanding what constitutes the recruitment and use of children in armed violence, its criticality for security sector actors and how to report cases and collaborate with other stakeholders for effective prevention and protection measures.

The training combined classroom lessons with scenario-based exercises facilitated by experts from the Dallaire Institute, GAF and GPS, who shared best practices and global experiences, highlighting the importance of a multi-faceted approach, providing participants with practical experience in tactics, techniques and procedures for interacting with children affected by armed violence.

In his closing remarks, the Commander, Army Training Command (ATRAC), Brigadier General Stephen Woseadzikpo Kweku Parbey, congratulated participants and noted that the course had provided them with a solid foundation in the prevention of the recruitment and use of children in armed violence. He encouraged them to take part in the upcoming Training of Trainers (ToT) course and urged them to share their knowledge by training others within their respective units.

On behalf of the Military High Command, Brig Gen Parbey expressed appreciation to the facilitators, Mr Jean Baptiste Bizimungu, Major James Tucker (Rtd), and Major General Omane-Agyekum (Rtd), for their dedication and expertise.

Speaking on behalf of Lieutenant General Roméo Dallaire (Rtd), Founder of the Dallaire Institute, and the Institute’s leadership, Mr Jean Baptiste Bizimungu extended gratitude to GAF and GPS for their collaboration. He commended the Commander and staff of APOTS for their exceptional hospitality throughout the training.