In a historic milestone for the United Nations and the African continent, Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana has officially assumed command as the Force Commander and Head of Mission for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF). She succeeds Major General Patrick Gauchat of Switzerland, marking a significant achievement as the first African woman to hold this prestigious position.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced the appointment of Major General Asmah on December 11, 2024. She brings over 31 years of distinguished service in the Ghana Armed Forces and extensive experience in United Nations peacekeeping missions. Her previous roles included Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF from 2021 to 2023, where she played a crucial role in maintaining the ceasefire between Israel and Syria in the Golan Heights.
In her new role, Major General Asmah is committed to addressing the mission’s challenges, including geopolitical complexities and harsh environmental conditions. She expressed her enthusiasm and readiness to lead, stating, “I am happy and wholeheartedly accept this role to serve. It is an opportunity to lessen the suffering of the people in the region.”
Major General Asmah’s appointment is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to peacekeeping. Her career has been marked by significant contributions to various UN missions, including the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the United Nations Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). She has also held several senior positions within the Ghanaian Armed Forces, shaping the future of peacekeeping through her work at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
Her historic appointment has been celebrated as a step forward for gender parity in peacekeeping. Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye, former Deputy Force Commander for the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Western Sahara (MINURSO), described it as a significant milestone for women in the military.
As Major General Asmah takes on this groundbreaking role, she remains optimistic about the future of the mission and the impact of the UN Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028). She emphasized the importance of women excelling in their responsibilities to pave the way for more women in command positions.
For more information, visit United Nations in Ghana.
