Veronica Adzo Arhin is the Acting Director-General of Public Relations of GAF
Claims circulating in parts of the media suggesting that Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are being exploited have been dismissed by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).
In a statement issued on January 25, 2026, and signed by the Acting Director-General of Public Relations, Captain (Ghana Navy) Veronica Adzo Arhin, the GAF said reports claiming that troops have been banned from shopping outside their camps and are forced to pay for their own plane tickets when travelling on leave to Ghana are false.
The GAF explained that movement restrictions are due to the unstable security situation in UNIFIL’s area of operations and are not intended to exploit peacekeepers.
Concerns raised over alleged exploitation of Ghanaian peacekeepers in Lebanon
The statement indicated that to help manage the situation, UNIFIL Force Headquarters has permitted the establishment of 11 shops operated by local Lebanese vendors within the two Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) camps, in addition to a Post Exchange shop run by the battalion.
“This arrangement gives troops several options to purchase items and not rely solely on the Post Exchange shop, contrary to what has been reported,” part of the statement read.
Regarding leave travel, the GAF also clarified that Ghanaian peacekeepers do not pay their own airfare.
“The allegation that troops pay for their own airfare during leave to Ghana is untrue,” Captain Arhin stated, adding that the Government of Ghana fully funds air travel for all Ghana Armed Forces peacekeepers, including those serving with UNIFIL.
The GAF further warned that the spread of false information could negatively affect troop morale and damage Ghana’s international image.
“Such misinformation undermines the discipline and morale of troops and could further tarnish the image of the country,” the statement noted.
The Armed Forces urged media houses to properly verify information before publication, especially on matters relating to national security and peacekeeping.
AK/MA
