As of March of this year, Ghana was ranked seventh among the 122 nations that contributed to peacekeeping by the United Nations, UN.
As of March of this year, the UN had deployed 76,712 peacekeepers worldwide, including 70,257 men and 6,455 women. Ghana had 429 of the 6,455 women who were deployed overall.
Ghana now ranks second in Africa and fourth in the globe for the deployment of women. Ghana has so far sent 2,762 troops to various locations throughout the world.
The UN Resident Coordinator, Charles Abani, made this known during a flagraising and wreath laying ceremony to commemorate the 75th International Day of UN Peacekeepers on the theme: “Peace begins with me: 75 years of UN Peacekeeping” in Accra yesterday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration (MFARI) organised the event, which took place yesterday on the State House’s front lawn in Accra.
Men and women who have devoted their lives to maintaining international peace and security and who have also made contributions to peacekeeping have been honored for their diverse achievements.
Mr. Abani praised Ghana for its persistent dedication to supporting multiple peacekeeping missions around the world with soldiers, police officers, and civilian employees since its initial involvement in the operations in the 1960s.
“Earlier this month, 700 Ghanaian peacekeepers, including 68 women were awarded the prestigious UN medal for their commitment to shaping a more peaceful and prosperous future for the peace of the world’s youngest nation,” he said.
Captain Cecelia Erzuah, a peacekeeper of the UN Interim Security Forces in Abyei, received the 2022 UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award, and Mr. Abani also conveyed his gratitude to her.
She received the honor for her work as a community organiser and advocate for gender equality.
Mr. Abani claimed that because some peacekeepers had given their lives while preserving peace under the banner of the UN, their dedication and sacrifices could not be monetised.
“The legacy of these peacekeepers should inspire us to take action, recognising the fact that peace begins with you, me and us,” he added.
Abani added that everyone’s efforts, not just those of governments and international organisations, must be combined to bring about peace.
He underlined the UN’s resolve to stay a dependable partner in the peacekeeping agenda.
Kofi Amankwa-Manu, the deputy minister of defense, urged everyone to pitch in to assist peacekeeping operations, provide the required resources, and equip troops with the equipment they need to complete their task.
According to Thomas Mbomba, deputy minister of the MFARI, there is a need to increase cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations like the African Union and the European Union.
In December of this year, Mbomba declared that Ghana would host the forthcoming Peacekeeping Ministerial Conference.
