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United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana as the new Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). Major General Asmah is set to officially take on her new role in January 2025.
The announcement, made in a statement from the Spokesperson for Mr. Guterres, also confirmed that Major General Asmah will succeed Lieutenant General Nirmal Kumar Thapa of Nepal, whose term will conclude in mid-December 2024.
A Historic Appointment
Major General Anita Asmah’s appointment marks another milestone for Ghana, as she becomes the third female officer from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to hold a top UN position in recent years. She is also the second Ghanaian military officer to assume a senior role within the United Nations.
The first Ghanaian to reach this level was the late Brigadier General Constance Emefa Edjeani-Afenu, who served as Deputy Force Commander of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO). Brigadier General Edjeani-Afenu was later succeeded by Naval Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye of the Ghana Navy.
A Distinguished Career
Major General Asmah brings over three decades of leadership and operational experience to her new role. She has served the Ghana Armed Forces and the United Nations in various capacities, demonstrating exceptional competence and dedication.
Most recently, she held the position of Director General in the Department of Defence Civilian Establishment within the Ghana Armed Forces. From 2021 to 2023, she served as Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF, gaining valuable insights into the mission’s operations.
Her peacekeeping experience is extensive, including roles as a Staff Officer with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) from 2012 to 2013 and again from 2015 to 2016. She also served as a Military Observer with the United Nations Organisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC) between 2003 and 2004.
Leadership and Expertise
Within the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Asmah has held several prominent positions, including Director of Education, Deputy Military Secretary, and Course Director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre. Her leadership and expertise have consistently earned her recognition both locally and internationally.
Academic and Linguistic Proficiency
Major General Asmah is highly educated, holding a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Ghana. She is also fluent in English and French, enabling her to communicate effectively in diverse international settings.
Her appointment is a testament to her extensive experience and commitment to global peace and security. As she steps into her new role, Major General Asmah will bring a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force.
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