Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, is currently on a four-day working visit to Lebanon. In a significant gesture, she paid a courtesy call on the Ghana Battalion stationed at the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Headquarters on August 8, 2023.
Ghana’s commitment to global peacekeeping is underscored by its status as the oldest and one of the largest contributing nations to UNIFIL, with a formidable contingent of over 850 troops. Notably, this contingent boasts an impressive representation of 115 women peacekeepers, positioning Ghana as the largest contributor of women peacekeepers within the mission.
Since their deployment in Lebanon in 1978, the Ghanaian contingent has been actively engaged in a multitude of operational and humanitarian activities. These include conducting patrols along the Blue Line, extending social donations, organizing health outreaches, and providing capacity-building support to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and other governmental entities.
During her visit, Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey received a comprehensive briefing from Colonel Kwarteng, the Commanding Officer of Ghana Batt. 89. Despite recent incidents, the officers showcased their unwavering dedication and high morale. Hon. Ayorkor Botchwey expressed sincere appreciation for the Ghana battalion’s steadfast commitment to their mission and encouraged them to uphold their sense of dedication.
Further strengthening diplomatic ties, the Minister held separate discussions with key Lebanese officials, including the Minister of Defence, H.E. Maurice Sleem, and the Chief of Defence Staff, Brigadier General Joseph Auon. These conversations were marked by mutual admiration for the professionalism and dedication exhibited by the Ghana battalion. Both officials conveyed their gratitude to the Government of Ghana for its unwavering support through troop contributions since 1978, underscoring their continued backing for the Ghana battalion’s endeavors.
The discussions extended to include H.E. Najib Mikati, the Prime Minister, H.E. Mostafa Bayram, the Minister of Labour, Mr. Elias Baysari, the Head of General Security, and Mr. Tony Saliba, Head of State Security. The focus of these talks centered on the relations between Ghana and Lebanon, as well as the well-being of Ghanaian migrants residing in Lebanon.
The Minister highlighted challenges faced by Ghanaian economic migrants and proposed a reevaluation of the guarantee system to address their concerns. Fruitful dialogue led to a shared commitment between the relevant Ghanaian agencies, Lebanese authorities, and the Honorary Consul of Ghana in Lebanon to collaboratively develop an agreement that outlines processes fostering a conducive environment for Ghanaian employees in Lebanon.
She commended H.E. Ali Samih Jaafar, the Honorary Consul of Ghana in Lebanon, for his dedication and hoped for increased collaboration to encourage more Lebanese businesses to invest in Ghana.
