In a landmark stance, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has endorsed the inclusion of a permanent African seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), advocating for greater representational equity. During a recent visit to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre in Accra, Scholz emphasized the urgency of UNSC reforms, which African nations have long sought to gain a permanent voice on the influential council.
While Africa currently holds three non-permanent council seats, it lacks permanent representation. Scholz highlighted that African interests could significantly influence the Security Council’s decisions and called for intensified negotiations toward this long-awaited reform.
Scholz’s remarks came amid his two-day Ghana visit, reaffirming the 20-year collaboration between Germany and the Kofi Annan Centre in fostering global peace and security. Alongside Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and other top officials, Scholz underscored Germany’s commitment to supporting West African nations in maintaining stability and combating terrorism.
The Chancellor underscored the mutual dedication of Ghana and Germany to the international order as outlined in the UN Charter, stressing the importance of upholding international law for peace, freedom, and prosperity. He reiterated the need for a unified stand against terrorism, particularly in the Sahel region, and the importance of peacekeeping efforts worldwide.
According to a report by Graphic Online, President Akufo-Addo lauded the establishment of the KAIPTC as a testament to the fruitful cooperation between Ghana and Germany.
He recognized the center’s global acclaim and its role in training thousands of personnel, advancing respect for human rights, the rule of law, and democratic accountability. With the government’s support, the center has expanded its training capabilities, aligning with international standards and contributing to Sustainable Development Goal 16, which aims to foster a peaceful and inclusive society for sustainable development.
