The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has presented financial compensation to three United Nations peacekeepers who sustained injuries while serving on international peacekeeping missions, in a gesture emphasizing the military’s commitment to personnel well-being and national admiration.
The presentation ceremony happened at the Command Mess, Burma Camp in Accra. The beneficiaries, Warrant Officer Class Two (WOII) Ocran Alfred, Staff Sergeant (S/SGT) Arddey Oblie Solomon, and Sergeant (SGT) Kornu Eric Romeo, collectively received $43,120 in appreciation of their sacrifice and dedication to international peacekeeping operations.
WOII Ocran Alfred, who was injured during his service in Lebanon with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL GH 89), received the largest amount in the financial package, $30,030. Staff Sergeant Arddey Oblie Solomon, who sustained injuries while serving in Mali with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA GHANENGRCOY 10), was also given $6,160.
Sergeant Kornu Eric Romeo, who got wounded in South Sudan during his service with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA GH 1), received $6,930. Commodore Francis Nyarko, Director General of Human Resources at General Headquarters, made the presentations on behalf of the Military High Command.
In his presentation, he expressed his appreciation towards the leadership of the GAF for what he described as a timely and sympathetic intervention. He emphasized that the institution remains steadfast in its responsibility to care for its personnel, particularly those who risk their lives in international assignments.
Ghana Armed Forces Showered Praise On Them
Commodore Nyarko stated that the sacrifices of the soldiers will never be overlooked. He also noted that the monetary compensation is not just a form of relief but also displays a sign of appreciation from the nation. He praised the soldiers for their sacrifices, stating that it is vital as it puts Ghana on the map.
“He emphasized that the sacrifices of the soldiers would never be overlooked, reaffirming the GAF’s commitment to the welfare of its personnel both at home and in operational theatres. He noted that the financial support serves not only as a symbol of national gratitude for the soldier’s courage, dedication, and selfless service.”
Ghana Armed Forces
He opined that the sacrifices made by the personnel will always serve as a remembrance to the country and that the Ghana Armed Forces will not make light of their contributions towards the mission.
This gesture mirrors our continuing dedication to guaranteeing that those who serve, exclusively in difficult and unsafe surroundings, are sufficiently reinforced both during and after their missions.
In attendance were key figures within the military, including Brigadier General Salifu Osumanu, Director General of the Defence Finance Controller, and Captain (Ghana Navy) Veronica Adzo Arhin, Acting Director General of the Department of Public Relations. Senior personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, as well as family members of the recipients, were around to observe the event.
WOII Ocran Alfred spoke on behalf of the recipients. In his speech, he expressed his appreciation to the Military High Command and the Ghana Armed Forces as a whole. He asserted that the monetary support had provided much-needed relief to them and their families, mainly in managing the long-term effects of their injuries.
He further stated that the funding has reinforced our sense of belonging and pride in serving our nation, he said. It encourages us that our efforts are known and appreciated, not only by the military but by the nation we serve.
Ghana has contributed immensely to the United Nations peacekeeping missions across the world, including conflict zones in Africa and the Middle East. Ghanaian peacekeepers have, over the years, displayed competence, hard work, and devotion towards sustaining peace and security in unstable countries.
GAF showed its commitment to its members with the compensation award, and this goes a long way to reflect the promotion of well-being for their members, mostly those positioned in high-risk environments.
Global peacekeeping operations have, over the years, remained and will always remain vital in the global efforts being undertaken to ensure peace and sustainability. This is an important way of ensuring sustainable peace and political stability.
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