Ghanaian troops deployed with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon Ghana Battalion 89 (UNIFIL GHANBATT 89) have been awarded peacekeeping medals in recognition of their sterling performance to the United Nations Mandate.

A total of 859 personnel received the prestigious pieces of metal from Brigadier General Roberto Vergori, the peacekeeping mission’s Sector West Commander after completing the mandated 90 days of service in a colourful ceremony held at the GHANBATT Headquarters in Al- Qawzah on 14 July 2023.

On behalf of the Force Commander and Head of Mission , Brigadier General Roberto Vergori congratulated the Ghanaian peacekeepers for the tremendous job done in Southern Lebanon. In his address, he extolled Ghana which is one of the oldest Troop Contributing Country in the operational theatre, that have fulfilled all assigned tasks professionally and with pride to the admiration of both military and civilian members.

Mentioning some of its achievement, Brig Gen Vergori commended the contingent for the several operational and humanitarian activities, such as conducting robust day and night patrols along the 23km stretch of blue line within its area of responsibility, social donations, health outreaches, capacity building in support of the Lebanese Armed Forces and other governmental institutions, among others. He particularly praised S/Sgt Shiraz Alhassan who with his patrol team helped quell a tensed situation between Hezbollah and Israel Defence Force that could have escalated with dire consequences.

The Sector Commander paid tribute to all peacekeepers who have paid the ultimate prize in bringing peace to the world, especially Warrant Officer Class II Nartey Angmor John and S/Sgt Ameyaw Alex Mensah of the GHANBATT who passed on whiles serving with UNIFIL.

Present at the parade were the Honorary Consul of Ghana in Lebanon, His Excellency Ali Samih Jaafar, a seven member Ghanaian delegation led by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics of the Ghana Armed Forces, Maj Gen Joseph Prince Osei- Owusu, representatives of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Military and Civilian Staff of UNIFIL, Mayors, Mouktars, Religious leaders and the Ghanaian Community in Beirut.