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COAS Presents Dag Hammarskjöld Medals to Families of Fallen Peacekeepers

• 06 Oct
• Admin

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS), Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, has presented Dag Hammarskjöld Medals to the families of deceased Ghanaian peacekeepers who served in various United Nations missions between 2008 and 2024. The solemn ceremony took place at the Army Headquarters’ Hall of Generals on Monday, 6 October 2025.The medals were awarded posthumously to Major Isaac Archer, Warrant Officer Class One Ntiamoah Isaac, Staff Sergeant Ameyaw Mensah Alex, Sergeant Kyere Evans, Lance Corporal Addo Adjei Nii Emmanuel, and Private Abudu Haruna, in recognition of their ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.In his remarks, Major General Gbetanu extended the Ghana Army’s deepest condolences to the bereaved families. He highlighted the enduring significance of the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal, established by the United Nations in July 1997 to honor military, police, and civilian personnel who lost their lives while serving in UN peacekeeping operations.The COAS reaffirmed the Army’s unwavering commitment to peacekeeping efforts and assured that the memory of Ghana’s fallen heroes would remain forever cherished. He also acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by UN peacekeepers and underscored continuous efforts to safeguard personnel during missions.Speaking at the event, Colonel Ernest Nanbigne, Chief G3 (Peace Support Operations) at Army Headquarters, noted that the UN Secretary-General presents medals and awards every year on the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers, to recognize the courage, dedication, and sacrifice of peacekeepers worldwide. He stressed that the ceremony was in connection with this global recognition and was also an opportunity for the Ghana Army to reflect on the sacrifices of its personnel, while expressing gratitude to their families for their support and resilience.In addition to the medals, the COAS presented some tokens to the bereaved families as a symbol of the Army’s appreciation for the services and sacrifices of their loved ones.Dignitaries present included the Chief Staff Officer (CSO) at Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Lloyd Atror, the Deputy Chief Staff Officer (Operations and Training), Brigadier General William Kwabiah, and other Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters.