The Commandant of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), Air Vice Marshal David Anetey Akrong, has signed the Book of Condolence opened in honour of the late King Harald V at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Accra.
Air Vice Marshal Akrong’s visit adds to the growing number of members of Ghana’s diplomatic and international community paying tribute to the late Norwegian monarch and expressing solidarity with the Norwegian Royal Family and people following his passing.
The KAIPTC Commandant joined representatives of diplomatic missions and other members of the international community who have visited the Embassy to formally convey their condolences during Norway’s period of national mourning.
The gesture also reflects the longstanding relationship between KAIPTC and the Government of Norway, which has been one of the Centre’s key international partners in advancing peacekeeping, peacebuilding and security cooperation in Africa.
Norway has provided core funding to the Centre and supported its strategic activities, including training, research and capacity-building initiatives. In 2022, the Government of Norway renewed its partnership with KAIPTC through a grant agreement worth NOK 20 million over a two-year period to support the Centre’s core activities.
The partnership has also been reinforced through engagements between KAIPTC leadership and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Accra, reflecting Norway’s continued interest in strengthening African capacity in peace operations, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
The Commandant’s signing of the Book of Condolence therefore carries particular institutional significance, highlighting the longstanding cooperation between the Centre and Norway while extending sympathy to the Norwegian people and Royal Family.
King Harald V died on August 28, 2026, at the age of 89, after more than three decades on the Norwegian throne. The Norwegian Royal House announced that the monarch died peacefully at Rikshospitalet in Oslo.
His death has prompted an outpouring of tributes across Norway and internationally, with the late monarch widely remembered for his warmth, humility and commitment to an open and inclusive Norwegian society.
King Harald ascended the throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V, and served as a symbol of continuity during a period of significant social and political change in Norway.
His son, Crown Prince Haakon, automatically succeeded him as King Haakon VIII, ushering in a new chapter for the Norwegian monarchy. King Haakon formally pledged to uphold Norway’s Constitution and laws before Parliament on September 1.
King Harald V’s funeral service is scheduled to take place at Oslo Cathedral on Wednesday, September 9, at 1 p.m. Following the service, a ceremonial procession will continue to Akershus Castle Church, where a private ceremony will be held.
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