The Northern Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on Monday, 25 August 2025 has hosted the opening ceremony for the maiden Training of Trainers (ToT) Course on Preventing the Recruitment and Use of Children in Armed Violence. 

The two-weeks course is expected to equip participants drawn from GAF within Northern Command, Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Immigration Service with the requisite knowledge and skills to serve as facilitators in raising awareness and enforcing child protection standards in conflict-prone areas. 

In his address, the General Officer Commanding Northern Command, Brigadier General Worlanyo Agbebo noted that child recruitment is not limited to foreign theatres of conflict, but poses a threat wherever instability and violence exists. He explained that the programme would equip participants to identify, prevent and respond to the use of child soldiers. 

He emphasised that Ghana, with its strong record in peacekeeping, must develop the expertise to address child recruitment challenges both locally and internationally. GOC therefore disclosed that both basic and advanced courses would be conducted in one sitting. He urged participants to approach the training with seriousness and commitment. 

The Project Director of the Dallaire Institute, Mr Arsene Tshidimu stressed that the training aligns with the Vancouver Principles, which call for the prioritisation of child protection in peacekeeping and security operations. He added that the course, the first of its kind in Ghana outside peace support operations, will strengthen the capacity of participants to prevent child recruitment, improve interactions with children, and recognise early warning signs. Mr Tshidimu expressed appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces, the Northern Command, and Global Affairs Canada for their support.