The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has begun efforts to trace the origin of a media report alleging the exploitation of Ghanaian peacekeepers serving in Lebanon, describing the publication as misleading and damaging.
In a press release dated January 5, 2026, the military said its attention had been drawn to claims suggesting that Ghanaian troops with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) were restricted from shopping freely and forced to pay their own airfare when traveling home on leave.
“The attention of the Ghana Armed Forces has been drawn to a publication circulating in the media,” the statement said, adding that the report contained “untrue” and “misleading” information.
GAF clarified that the shopping arrangements for troops in Lebanon were determined by UNIFIL headquarters due to security concerns, not by the Ghanaian battalion. According to the release, eleven shops operated by local Lebanese traders have been established within two Ghanaian battalion locations, alongside a Post Exchange shop.
“This offers troops the option to purchase from a number of shops and not the Post Exchange shop only, as has been reported,” the statement noted.
On claims that soldiers paid for their own flights, the Armed Forces dismissed the allegation outright.
“The story is untrue as the Government of Ghana continues to fully fund troops’ airfare for all Ghana Armed Forces peacekeepers,” the release said.
GAF also warned that the spread of false information could harm troop morale and the country’s reputation.
“Such misinformation undermines discipline and morale of troops and could further tarnish the image of the country,” the statement added.
