The Ghana Army has declared the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) GHANBATT 92 mission accomplished after a year-long tour of duty in southern Lebanon amid heightened
The report indicates that the Ghana Army has declared the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) GHANBATT 92 mission accomplished after a year-long tour of duty in southern Lebanon amid heightened hostilities between Hezbollah and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
It further notes that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, made the declaration on Saturday at the 5 Infantry Battalion Parade Square, where the returning contingent was received after completing its peacekeeping assignment.
He stated GHANBATT 92 operated in a challenging security environment following the escalation of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which significantly increased the operational risks faced by UN peacekeepers.
The battalion, with its strength adjusted to 615 personnel, including 103 women, faced attacks on its positions while continuing to execute its UN mandate and protect civilians within its area of responsibility.
Major General Gbetanu stated one of the most serious incidents occurred on the evening of March 6, Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary, when two missiles struck the battalion headquarters at Al-Kawza amid heavy shelling.
The attack damaged vital infrastructure and injured some Ghanaian personnel, while the base was temporarily placed under severe security threat.
“Yet under these tight conditions, you stood your ground with the unwavering professionalism that has defined the Ghana Armed Forces over the years,” he said.
The COAS acknowledged the physical, emotional and psychological effects of the deployment on personnel, particularly those who sustained injuries and those dealing with the effects of the challenging operational environment.
He assured personnel who suffered injuries or material losses that the military had initiated processes to secure compensation, although international administrative procedures could take time.
Major General Gbetanu also announced an extension of the normal post-peacekeeping disembarkation leave from 30 to 42 days for all GHANBATT 92 personnel.
The additional leave, he said, was intended to give the troops adequate time to rest, recover and reintegrate with their families and respective units.
He stated the Ghana Armed Forces would continue to monitor their welfare and provide psychological support to help them deal with the effects of their operational experience.
“There is no shame in communicating the horrors of combat by seeking support. It is rather a sign of strength, not weakness,” he said.
The COAS commended the battalion for maintaining its mandate despite the challenging security environment and for undertaking humanitarian and infrastructure-support activities within its area of operations.
