The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has announced the appointment of Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana as the new Head of Mission and Force Commander of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), stationed between Israel and Syria.

Maj-Gen Asmah succeeds Lieutenant General Nirmal Kumar Thapa of Nepal, who is set to conclude his assignment in mid-December 2024.

The Secretary-General expressed gratitude for Lt-Gen Thapa's leadership and dedication to advancing UN peacekeeping efforts during his tenure.

With over 31 years of experience in the Ghana Armed Forces and UN peacekeeping, Maj-Gen Asmah is a seasoned leader.

She previously served as the Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF from 2021 to 2023 and has held various roles within the UN peacekeeping system.

These include assignments as a Staff Officer with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and as a Military Observer with the UN Organization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC).

In Ghana, she has held key positions such as Director General of the Department of Defence Civilian Establishment, Director of Education, and Deputy Military Secretary.

She also served as Course Director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, demonstrating her commitment to training and professional development in peacekeeping operations.

Maj-Gen Asmah holds Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Law degrees from the University of Ghana and is fluent in English and French, adding to her qualifications for this significant international role.

Her appointment marks another milestone for Ghana in contributing to global peacekeeping efforts, showcasing the nation’s continued leadership in international diplomacy and security.

UNDOF, established in 1974, oversees the disengagement agreement between Israel and Syria following the Yom Kippur War, and Maj-Gen Asmah’s leadership is expected to play a pivotal role in maintaining stability in the region.