Ghanaian peacekeepers return from challenging Lebanon mission

The Ghanaian peacekeeping contingent, known as GHANBATT 92, has returned to Ghana following a year-long deployment with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon. The mission took place during a period of heightened hostilities between Hezbollah and the Israeli Defence Forces.

The battalion, consisting of 615 personnel including 103 women, faced significant security threats during its tour of duty. Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, the Chief of Army Staff, reported that the contingent was targeted by missile attacks, specifically noting an incident on March 6 where two missiles struck the battalion headquarters at Al-Kawza. The attacks resulted in injuries to personnel and damage to infrastructure.

Upon their return, Major General Gbetanu commended the soldiers for their professionalism and announced that the military would prioritize their welfare. This includes providing psychological support to address the emotional effects of the deployment and initiating processes for compensation for those who sustained injuries or material losses. Additionally, the standard post-peacekeeping leave has been extended from 30 to 42 days for the returning personnel. GHANBATT 93 has taken over the responsibility for Ghana’s UNIFIL assignment.