Canada announces deployment of new gender-balanced task force to Ghana

eAwaz Canada News

Ottawa – Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the deployment of a new Canadian Training Assistance Team

(CTAT) to Ghana. The CTAT team consists of a genderbalanced task force of four CAF members currently deployed on Operation PRESENCE (Elsie), and will contribute to Ghana’s ongoing efforts to increase the meaningful participation of uniformed women in United Nations Peace Operations.

The Task Force recently completed its initial engagements, and is now working closely with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on a Garrison Tour of all GAF units across the country, intended to enhance understanding of gender issues and gender barriers impacting GAF. Upon completion of this first deployment, the assessments of the Task Force Commander will drive the composition, frequency and activities of future CTAT deployments commencing in 2023.

As bilateral partners in the Elsie Initiative since 2018, Canada and Ghana share best practices, and together develop and test innovative approaches to increase women’s meaningful participation in uniformed military roles in UN peace operations. The ongoing deployment of the task force is part of Canada’s commitment to support the GAF under this partnership.

“By founding the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations, and supporting other nations’ efforts as they pursue the same goals of gender equality in uniformed peacekeeping roles, Canada is making sure that women in uniform’s voices are heard and that their leadership in peace and security is recognized and sought. Canada is also proud to work with Ghana and other countries who understand the importance of women on UN Peace Support Operations.” – Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence