Meet Major General Anita Asmah, UN’s First African Woman Force Commander

Accra, Ghana – The United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has appointed Major General Anita Asmah of Ghana as the Head of Mission and Force Commander for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF).

This landmark appointment makes Major General Asmah the first African woman to assume the role of Force Commander in UN history.

Major General Anita Asmah

Speaking on her appointment, Major General Asmah expressed her enthusiasm and commitment: “I wholeheartedly accept this role to serve. It is an opportunity to lessen the suffering of the people in the mission area.”

She brings to the role a wealth of experience, having served as UNDOF’s Deputy Force Commander from 2021 to 2023, during which she also acted as Force Commander for a brief period.

Challenges and Vision

Major General Asmah highlighted the region’s geopolitical complexities, harsh terrain, and extreme weather as key challenges but expressed confidence in the resilience of the UNDOF team. She emphasised the importance of tact, diplomacy, and collaboration in achieving the mission’s objectives.

Major General Asmah (Right) being interviewed by Cynthia Prah of the UN Information Centre, Accra

She also praised the UN’s Uniformed Gender Parity Strategy (2018–2028) for advancing women’s roles in peacekeeping and called for greater efforts to achieve parity.

She encouraged women in the military to excel in their duties, stating, “Only by excelling in our responsibilities can we pave the way for more women to take on command positions and transform peacekeeping operations.”

Global Recognition and Local Impact

Commodore Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye, a senior Ghanaian peacekeeper, lauded the appointment as a milestone for gender parity in peacekeeping. She noted that Ghana is setting an example for Africa by empowering women in leadership roles.

Major General Asmah on her desk at work

Major General Asmah, an alumna of Aburi Girls’ Senior High School, holds degrees in Arts and Law from the University of Ghana and is fluent in English and French. Her career spans over 31 years in the Ghana Armed Forces and UN peacekeeping missions.

Transition and Legacy

Major General Asmah will succeed Lieutenant General Nirmal Kumar Thapa of Nepal, whose tenure concludes in December 2024. Her historic appointment is a source of pride for Ghana and an inspiration to women across the globe.