The maiden meeting of the committee, which has its membership drawn from the security agencies, ministries, departments and agencies, as well as the media, was on Monday held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

Ghana will join the international community to commemorate the day, which is being held this year on the theme: “UN Peacekeeping: Investing in Peace around the World.”

A wreath laying and flag raising ceremony is expected to be held on May 29, at the forecourt of Parliament House, in Accra, to pay tribute to the gallant men and women, who are contributing in securing global peace and security.

The theme for this year underscores the need for the global community to commit more resources by investing in peace building efforts, and maintenance of global peace and security for the survival of humankind.

May 29 has been set aside by the international community to pay tribute to all men and women, who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations, for their high level of professionalism and courage.

It is also used to honour the memory of UN peacekeepers, who have lost their lives in the cause of peace.

Ghana has been in the forefront in peacekeeping operations at various hotspots across the globe, receiving thumps-up from the UN for being among the top 10 troop contributing countries.

The UN Peacekeeping operations started in 1948, when the Security Council authorised the deployment of the UN military observers to the Middle East, to monitor the Armistice Agreement between Israel and its neighbours.

Ghana first appeared in peacekeeping operations in 1960, when she contributed troops to maintain peace and stability in the Congo.

Thousands of men and women perished in their quest to help maintain global peace and security, and the international community deems it fit to set aside May 29, to honour the fallen ones and to recognise the role of the peacekeepers.

By Salifu Abdul-Rahaman