Canadian Governor-Gen. visits Annan's Centre

Accra, Nov. 29, GNA - The visiting Governor-General of Canada Michaelle Jean on Thursday visited the Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) to witness, at the first hand, the Centre's innovative work and contributions Canada had put into its training capacity.

Madame Jean, also the Commander-in-Chief of the Canadian Forces, was met on arrival by Dr Kwame Addo Kufuor, Minister of Defence; Lt. General J.B. Danquah, Chief of Defence Staff and Major General John K. Attipoe, KAIPTC Commandant among other officials.

Madame Jean, who had earlier in the day visited the Elmina Castle with her delegation, had some discussions with Dr Kufuor and his team behind closed doors.

Canada is actively contributing to peace and security in Ghana and the West African Sub-Region with a three million Canadian dollars (24 billion cedis) from the Canada Fund for West Africa Peace and Security Initiative (PSI).

Through the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, Canada is assisting the KAIPTC to design and deliver courses on a variety of subjects including UN logistics; negotiations; civilian policing and demobilization; disarmament and reintegration.

The visit was sealed with the planting of "The Tree of Life" by both Madame Jean and Dr Addo Kufuor at the premises of the KAIPTC to signify the growth of the good relationship between Canada and Ghana. The Governor-General, who would be attending a dinner hosted on her honour by Canada's Acting High Commissioner, Donald J. Bobiash, and to be attended by Dr Addo Kufuor and his team, would leave for Tamale, the Northern Regional capital on Thursday to visit some ongoing Canadian projects in that Region.