1. Contemporary peace operations have changed significantly and Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs) are now required by the United Nations (UN) to meet specific training criteria and standards before insertion into any theatre of operation. The Ghana Army has been at the forefront of peace operations globally for over four (4) decades. During this period, personnel at all ranks have acquired extensive experience. However, there has been no tactical-level Peacekeeping Training School to harness these experiences for posterity.
2. Peace operations are dynamic and continue to evolve with changing operational demands. In the past, the UN operated the Dry Lease System, but it has now adopted the Wet Lease System, which offers reimbursement-related benefits. The changing standards in training and logistics management procedures require the Ghana Army to institutionalize tactical-level training to remain relevant and competitive in peace operations. It is therefore imperative to establish APOTS, where personnel of all ranks can receive the required training for future missions. The establishment of APOTS will preserve operational experience, position personnel to assume lead roles in peace operations, and benefit the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) generally and the Ghana Army in particular.
3. GAF personnel deployed on peace operations are trained by the Directorate of Army Peacekeeping Operations (DAPKOP), with support from development partners. The Directorate was established in June 1995 from the IPKOP Cell of the Operations Branch of Army Headquarters. Its establishment enhanced Army Headquarters' capacity to manage rapid reforms within the UN system and improved the efficiency of peacekeeping operations (PKO) management in the Ghana Armed Forces.
