5 Ghanaians among 61 peacekeepers who perished in 2023
Five Ghanaians are among the 61 peacekeepers who lost their lives during United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations in 2023.
The five Ghanaians are Staff Sergeant Mensah Alex Ameyaw of United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Warrant Officer Class II Ibrahim Abubakari of UNIFIL, Lance Corporal Emmanuel Adjei Nii Addo of United Nations Interim Force for Abyei (UNISFA), Mr. Michael Sowah of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and Mr. Jeduah Mahama Abudu of United Nations Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM).
UN Resident Coordinator for Ghana, Mr. Charles Abani, announced that the deceased peacekeepers will be posthumously awarded the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal on May 30, 2024, at the UN Headquarters in New York, United States.
Mr. Abani was addressing the 76th International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers Flag-raising and Wreath-laying Ceremony in Accra.
He highlighted that over the past 75 years, UN Peacekeeping had evolved into a crucial tool for conflict resolution and the promotion of international peace and security.
Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have dedicated themselves to this noble cause, guiding communities from conflict to peace.
Currently, over 76,000 peacekeepers from more than 120 countries are deployed in 11 global operations, working to foster peace and stability for millions affected by conflict.
“UN peacekeeping operations have significantly contributed to regional and international stability by protecting civilians, strengthening institutions, empowering communities, enhancing women’s and youths’ governance participation, and supporting humanitarian efforts,” Mr. Abani said.
He noted that at least 25 peacekeeping operations had been conducted across Africa, beginning with the United Nations Operation in Congo from 1960 to 1964.
From the late 1980s to the present, the number of UN Peacekeeping operations in Africa has increased, achieving varying degrees of success.
As of March 2024, there are four peacekeeping operations in Africa.
Mr. Abani said this year’s theme, “Fit for the Future: Building Better Together,” underscored UN Peacekeeping’s role in transitioning countries from conflict to peace, as well as emphasized the organization’s adaptation to future challenges.
Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, Minister of Defence, stated that Ghana’s commitment to the key role that the United Nations plays in the maintenance of international peace and security is unwavering.
He said the country had, over the years, volunteered approximately 100,000 uniformed personnel as well as civilians in various capacities in more than 35 UN Missions around the world.
“Our uniformed personnel have served with pride and distinction since the 1960s, working in diverse and challenging conflict and post-conflict situations.
“Their contributions have not only brought hope to conflict-affected regions but also brought honour and pride to our nation,” he stressed.
In 1948, the historic decision was made to deploy military observers to the Middle East to supervise the implementation of Israel-Arab Armistice Agreements, in what became the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization.
Since that time, more than two million peacekeepers from 125 countries have since served in 71 operations around the world. Today, some 76,000 women and men are serving in 11 conflict zones across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
Ghana is the 7th largest contributor of uniformed personnel to the UN Peacekeeping.
It currently deploys more than 2,600 military and police personnel to the UN peace operations in Abyei, the Central African Republic, Cyprus, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Lebanon, the Middle East, Somalia, South Sudan, Yemen and Western Sahara.
