We don’t enjoy Peacekeeping, Stop Beating War Drums in Ghana – Women Peacekeepers

As part of their message to commemorate this year’s celebration of the International Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers, some high ranking uniformed female peacekeepers in the Ghana Armed Forces who have participated in Peacekeeping operations around the world, have urged Ghanaians to stop the habit of constantly beating war drums whenever general elections approach.

According them, haven been around the world trying to help reestablish peace in many war torn and conflict ridden countries, and haven witnessed the wreckage in those communities and the strife the people have to endure and go through during this period, especially by women and children, they would not want to witness that kind of thing in their own country. They have therefore advised the political class, the ordinary citizens and the media alike, to be circumspect in their utterances during this period.

Since 29 May 1948, when the United Nations Security Council authorized the deployment of the first military observers in the Middle East, every 29 May has been celebrated to commemorate the day to pay tribute to all the women and men who have served as military, police or civilians in UN Peacekeeping operations.

As this year marks the 20^th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR1325), the theme for Peacekeeper’s Day 2020 is “Women in Peacekeeping – A Key to Peace.”

In order to acknowledge the role of women in ensuring peace at home, the work place and in the community in such a time like this, the Deputy Minister for Defence and Member of Parliament for Nkoranza North, (Maj.) Derrick Oduro, made a statement on the Floor of Parliament to eulogize them and the efforts of uniformed females in Peacekeeping operations.

He observed that, “Since 29 May 1948, we have had more than one million women serving in various capacities in 72 United Nations Peacekeeping operations. Their contributions in these missions have positively impacted the lives of millions of people across the globe.

“Mr. Speaker, may we therefore use this occasion to pay a glowing tribute to our women Peacekeepers for their role as mothers and partners in our quest for world peace.”

Making a brief remark to the media on behalf of the Uniformed female peacekeepers in the Ghana Armed Forces on their visit to Parliament on Friday, May 29, 2020, the Director in Charge of Civilian Establishments at the General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces, Naval Captain Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye said, “Peace keeping is not enjoyable for any one of us, so stop beating the war drums. Let’s nurture and safeguard the peace we are currently enjoying since there is no other replacement for it apart from destruction and strife.”

Her advice was not only directed towards politicians, who are the most obvious culprits, but to all and sundry and every stakeholder in peace building, including: chiefs; religious leaders; political foot soldiers; serial callers; and media practitioners among others. She urged everyone to play his or her part in the sustenance of the country’s peaceful environment before, during and after the 2020 general election.

Source: Clement Akoloh||parlaimentnews360.com