The Ghanaian troops deployed as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL GHANBATT 89) have been honored with peacekeeping medals for their outstanding performance in fulfilling the United Nations mandate. A total of 859 personnel were recognized during a ceremony held at the GHANBATT Headquarters in Al-Qawzah on July 14, 2023.

The peacekeeping medals were presented by Brigadier General Roberto Vergori, the Sector West Commander of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission. In his address, Brigadier General Vergori congratulated the Ghanaian peacekeepers on their remarkable achievements in Southern Lebanon. He commended Ghana, one of the oldest Troop Contributing Countries in the operational theater, for consistently fulfilling their assigned tasks with professionalism and pride, earning the admiration of both military and civilian members.

Brigadier General Vergori specifically acknowledged the accomplishments of the Ghanaian contingent, including their diligent day and night patrols along the 23-kilometer stretch of the Blue Line within their area of responsibility. He also highlighted their contributions to humanitarian activities, such as social donations, health outreaches, and capacity building support for the Lebanese Armed Forces and other governmental institutions. Notably, he praised S/Sgt Shiraz Alhassan and his patrol team for defusing a tense situation between Hezbollah and the Israel Defense Force, preventing a potential escalation with severe consequences.

During the ceremony, the Sector Commander paid tribute to all peacekeepers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the pursuit of global peace. He specifically mentioned Warrant Officer Class II Nartey Angmor John and S/Sgt Ameyaw Alex Mensah of GHANBATT, who tragically passed away while serving with UNIFIL.

Dignitaries present at the parade included His Excellency Ali Samih Jaafar, the Honorary Consul of Ghana in Lebanon, and a delegation of seven Ghanaians led by Maj Gen Joseph Prince Osei-Owusu, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Logistics of the Ghana Armed Forces. Representatives from the Lebanese Armed Forces, military and civilian staff of UNIFIL, mayors, Mouktars, religious leaders, and the Ghanaian community in Beirut were also in attendance.

The awarding of peacekeeping medals recognizes the Ghanaian troops' significant contributions to maintaining peace and stability in Lebanon as part of the UNIFIL mission.