The Ghanaian peacekeeping contingent that served with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has returned home after completing its tour of duty in southern Lebanon.
The GHANBATT 92 contingent arrived in Ghana on Saturday night, September 12, after a challenging deployment during which the troops were exposed to heightened security threats, including missile attacks.
The return marks the end of the contingent’s mission as GHANBATT 93 takes over responsibility for Ghana’s UNIFIL assignment.
GHANBATT 92 comprised hundreds of Ghanaian soldiers who served in southern Lebanon as part of Ghana’s longstanding contribution to international peacekeeping operations.
The contingent’s deployment was carried out against the backdrop of escalating hostilities in the region, creating difficult operational conditions for peacekeepers.
At one point during the mission, Ghanaian peacekeepers were caught up in a missile attack, with one of the soldiers sustaining serious injuries.
Despite the challenges, the contingent completed its mandate and returned home.
Welcoming the returning personnel, the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, commended the soldiers for their courage, discipline and professionalism throughout the mission.
He acknowledged the difficult conditions under which the troops operated and assured them that the Ghana Armed Forces would prioritise their welfare as they transition back into their normal duties and family life.
The Chief of Army Staff said each returning soldier would be provided access to psychological support to help them deal with any emotional or mental effects associated with the deployment.
He also announced additional time off for the personnel to rest, recover and reconnect with their families before resuming their normal duties.
The measure, he said, was part of the Army’s broader commitment to the welfare of personnel who undertake demanding international assignments.
Major General Gbetanu also expressed appreciation to the Ghana Airports Company Limited and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for the support provided during the rotation of the peacekeeping contingent.
He thanked the two institutions for their cooperation and assistance in facilitating the movement of the troops through the airport.
According to him, the smooth rotation of military personnel for international peacekeeping missions requires effective coordination among the Ghana Armed Forces and the relevant aviation and airport authorities.
“I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Ghana Airports Company and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority for the support they have provided throughout the rotation of our troops. Your cooperation has contributed significantly to ensuring that our personnel were moved safely and efficiently.”
The Chief of Army Staff said such institutional cooperation remains important to Ghana’s continued participation in international peacekeeping operations.
The GHANBATT 92 contingent was also commended for maintaining discipline and professionalism despite the security challenges encountered during its deployment.
The Ghana Armed Forces says the soldiers demonstrated resilience and commitment to their mandate throughout the mission.
The contingent’s return comes shortly after the formal handover of command to GHANBATT 93 in southern Lebanon, marking the completion of GHANBATT 92’s tour of duty.
For the returning personnel, attention will now shift from the operational environment to recovery, family reintegration and preparation for their next assignments.
The Ghana Armed Forces says the psychological and general welfare of the soldiers will remain a priority as they settle back into life at home.
Ghana remains one of the countries with a longstanding record of contributing troops to United Nations peacekeeping operations around the world.
2 soldiers critically injured in attack on Ghanaian Battalion HQ in UNIFIL, Lebanon – GAF
