Defence Minister-designate promises improved peacekeeping allowances for Ghanaian soldiers

Defence Minister-designate Dr Edward Kofi Omane Boamah has pledged to address disparities in United Nations peacekeeping allowances for Ghanaian soldiers.

Appearing before Parliament's Appointments Committee on Tuesday, January 28 2025, Dr Omane Boamah acknowledged that Ghanaian peacekeepers currently receive $35 daily, significantly lower than their African counterparts.

"Our current remuneration system needs urgent review," Dr Omane Boamah told the committee, responding to concerns raised by Hon. Jerry Shaibu about UN reimbursement rates.

According to UN figures presented at the vetting, while Ghanaian peacekeepers receive approximately $435 monthly, Nigerian peacekeepers earn $600, with Kenyan counterparts receiving $756.

Dr Omane Boamah outlined plans to adopt the wet lease system, which allows Ghana to leverage UN reimbursement rates to secure additional resources, promising to present Parliament with comprehensive reforms for peacekeeping operations.

"With your endorsement, I will return to Parliament to brief you on detailed plans for improving our peacekeepers' welfare," he stated.