The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has firmly rejected circulating claims that the United Nations pays as much as $300 per day to Ghanaian peacekeeping troo
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has firmly rejected circulating claims that the United Nations pays as much as $300 per day to Ghanaian peacekeeping troops, describing the allegations as false, misleading, and deliberately intended to stir discontent among soldiers on international missions.
At a press conference in Accra, the Director General of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces, Captain (Naval) Veronica Adzo Arhin, addressed the controversy following a viral video making what the Military High Command termed “wild and unfounded allegations” about peacekeeper allowances.
According to her, the GAF leadership and the entire military establishment took notice of the video because of its potential to undermine morale and trust within the ranks.
Providing background to the issue, Captain Arhin explained that Ghana has a long and respected history in United Nations peacekeeping operations, with its troops deployed to various conflict and post-conflict zones around the world.
Over the years, the welfare and remuneration of peacekeepers have periodically become the subject of public debate, particularly when misinformation gains traction on social media.
The latest claims, she noted, falsely suggested that the UN pays $300 per soldier per day, with the implication that large sums are being withheld from troops.
Setting out the facts, Captain Arhin categorically stated that the United Nations pays a total of $46 per soldier per day for Ghanaian peacekeepers.
Of this amount, the Government of Ghana directly pays $35 per soldier to the individual peacekeeper.
She stressed that the UN does not pay any amount beyond the approved $46 daily rate, contrary to the claims being circulated.
She further explained that the remaining $11 from the UN allocation is not misappropriated but is instead pooled and used to support the collective welfare and operational needs of troops on mission.
These funds, she said, are applied to several critical areas, including the provision of up to $700 per soldier for airfares for leave travel back to Ghana.
The funds also support six weeks of mandatory pre-deployment operations training to ensure troops are adequately prepared for their missions.
In addition, the $11 portion contributes to the provision of internet services in mission areas, enabling soldiers to stay in contact with their families and access essential information.
Other welfare-related expenditures include social and morale-boosting activities such as troop get-togethers, festive celebrations during Christmas and Easter, and commemorations such as Medal Day.
Official visits and other administrative and welfare-related activities are also funded from this allocation.
Captain Arhin emphasized that beyond the UN’s contribution, the Government of Ghana further augments funding to ensure the safety, welfare, comfort, and operational effectiveness of its peacekeeping troops before deployment and throughout their stay on mission.
This additional support, she said, underscores the state’s commitment to the well-being of Ghanaian soldiers serving under the UN flag.
In concluding her remarks, the GAF spokesperson urged the public and serving personnel to disregard claims suggesting that the UN pays anything more than the officially approved $46 per soldier per day.
She noted that the details of UN peacekeeping payments are publicly available on official UN platforms and can be independently verified by anyone.
The narrative of higher payments, she warned, is mischievous and designed to incite unrest among troops, and should be rejected by all well-meaning citizens.
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