President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has commended the Military for its outstanding contributions to international peacekeeping, even as global dynamics continue to evolve.
He however acknowledged that current financial and logistical challenges facing the United Nations (UN) have resulted in significant reductions in peacekeeping operations worldwide.
The President made these remarks at the 2025 West African Soldiers’ Social Activity (WASA) held at the GAF Headquarters, Burma Camp, Accra.
WASA is an annual event that brings together members of the security forces to relax, interact, and appreciate one another after a busy year.
“I have been informed that 247 personnel deployed to southern Lebanon were repatriated just two months after deployment, while another 217 personnel earmarked for South Sudan were stood down after pre-deployment training,” President Mahama said.
He added that an additional 77 personnel are scheduled to be repatriated from South Sudan later this month.
Touching on the possible closure of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) by December 2026, the President said government is fully aware of the implications and has directed that all affected personnel be prioritized for future peacekeeping deployments.
He further disclosed that the Military High Command is undertaking a strategic review to position the GAF for a post-UN peacekeeping environment.
The UN has consistently ranked Ghana among the top-tier contributor to global peacekeeping, ranking it among the top 10 troop-contributing countries globally.
Since the1960s, Ghana has deployed over 100,000 personnel to more than 35 missions, earning praise for their professionalism, dedication, and courage in promoting global stability.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
