KAIPTC symposium honours Dr.  Chambas @ 75

By Konrad Kodjo DJAISI

The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) organized a commemorative 75th birthday symposium in honour of Dr. Mohammed Ibn Chambas, a distinguished statesman, diplomat, lawyer and a global peace and mediation advocate on December 6 in Accra.

Born in Bimbilla in northern Ghana, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas began his formal education at Mfantspim School in Cape Coast, and later attended Tamale secondary school in Tamale for his advanced level studies before entering the University of Ghana, Legon and earned his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science in 1973 before advancing for further studies in the United States of America where he obtained a Master’s degree in 1977 and a PhD in 1980.

These academic pursuits sharpened his intellect and deepened his commitment to justice and throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Chambas has defined modern peace processes in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, The Gambia, Sudan, and the Sahel while strengthening institutions at ECOWAS< ACP, the AU and UNOWAS.

Indeed, Dr. Chambas has shaped conflict resolution, governance reforms and regional integration across West Africa and the world.

In his welcome address, the KAIPTC Commandant, Air Commodore, David Anetey Akrong gave the rationale for the symposium, noting that as a Centre of excellence for peace and security, the KAIPTC is holding the event to honour a towering figure and draw inspiration from his dedication, service, integrity and leadership.

Akrong highlighted Dr Chambas’ long-standing engagement with the Centre as Goodwill Ambassador and Chair of the Kofi Annan Peace and Security (CAPS) Forum, emphasising that his leadership had “strengthened the KAIPTC’s mission and inspired countless practitioners and scholars in the field of peace and security.”

Professor Takyiwaa Manu, Chairperson of Planning Committee in her opening remarks noted that Africa as a continent has been beset with conflict and protracted political instability and over the past four decades, the African Union (AU), regional bodies have sought to intervene through diplomacy and few African leaders have played such a crucial role like Dr. Chambas who was the Executive Secretary of ECOWAS, President of ECOWAS Commission and various United Nations roles.

On his part, the former ECOWAS and United Nations diplomat outlined a broader vision for Africa’s progress, one rooted in unity, respect for human rights, stability and the full utilisation of the continent’s demographic and natural wealth.

He expressed optimism that with a shared commitment to solidarity and self-determination, Africans can build a future worthy of their aspirations. Dr Ibn Chambas, urged Africans to defend their dignity, identity and historical memory in the face of ongoing global injustices.

“We must begin to defend our history, our heritage, and not allow others to demean us as a people,” he stressed. He expressed strong optimism that, with unity and determination, Africans can build a better continent for future generations.

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