ACCRA, Ghana – Approximately 150 participants from 25 African, European and North American countries gathered at the Kofi Annan Peacekeeping Training Centre, Accra, Ghana May 19, 2017 for the Opening Ceremony of United Accord 2017.
UA17 is an exercise designed to develop the capacity of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Standby Force's rapid deployment capability to plan, deploy, employ and sustain forces in support of peacekeeping operations.
“With U.S. Army Africa and with all countries represented here today, we recognize our obligation to help generate and support effective and sustainable peacekeeping capacities across all of Africa," said Air Vice Marshal Griffiths Evans, KAIPTC Commandant.
UA17 includes a sector headquarters level Command Post Exercise (CPX), a bi-lateral (Ghana and U.S) Field Training Exercise (FTX), and USARAF’s regionally aligned force will attend the Ghanaian Jungle Warfare School. Participants’ training will focus on the United Nations Multidimensional Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) and focusing on the East sector.
"I want to encourage you all to share your vast experiences with each other," said Brig. Gen. Fred Buliga, the Ghana Armed Forces Exercise Co-Director.
UA17 offers participants the opportunity learn how to work together in diverse conditions. Participants gain a better understanding and knowledge of peacekeeping operations within the ECOWAS region. Participants are encouraged to take the lessons learned at UA17 back to their respective countries.
"Thanks to the hard work, professionalism and hospitality of our strategic partner, the Ghana Armed Forces, we now stand ready to successfully conduct the exercise together," said Hughes.
The CPX will be held at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Center with the FTX and JWS taking place at training areas outside of the Accra city limits.
