The Dallaire Institute Africa Centre of Excellence in collaboration with Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has commenced a five-day training programme for GAF and Police personnel to enhance their ability to protect children in armed conflicts.

The joint training would run from 14-18 July 2025 at the Army Peace Operations Training School (APOTS) in Bundase, is expected to equip participants with the critical skills to identify, prevent, and respond to the exploitation of children in conflict areas.

It was held for GAF personnel of Ghana Battalion 92 (GHANBATT 92) who are currently undergoing pre-deployment training at Bundase ahead of their insertion on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

In his remarks, the Chief Coordinator at the Army Training Command, Colonel (Col) Prince Tandoh bemoaned the growing incidents of children, as young as eight and nine years, reported to be associated with armed groups.

According to him, the trend demands equipping of security personnel to curb the growing menace.

He noted that the collaboration was vital to raising awareness and reversing the negative trend through the effective implementation of the Vancouver Principles in peacekeeping operations.

On his part, Deputy Project Director Promoting the Vancouver Principles in Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr François Bisengimana emphasised the practical focus of the course required the active engagement of participants.

He urged participants to share their experiences since the insights of all security and child protection actors were essential for shaping effective, context-driven responses.