A trailblazer in boots and brilliance, Major General Anita Asmah is our Wonder Woman this Wednesday and for good reason.
In a world where peacekeeping often feels like a man’s game, she’s rewriting the rules and owning the spotlight as the first African woman to be appointed Head of Mission and Force Commander for the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in Syria.
The appointment, made in December 2024 by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, was a proud moment for Ghana and a game-changer for gender equity in global leadership.
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She now leads efforts to maintain peace in one of the world’s tensest regions, the Golan Heights, and does so with the authority and excellence only a true leader can command.
From Aburi Girls to Global Force
An alumna of Aburi Girls’ Senior High School and the University of Ghana with degrees in Arts and Law, Major General Asmah isn’t just book-smart.
She’s also walked the talk with 31 years of service in the Ghana Armed Forces and on various UN missions including Lebanon (UNIFIL), Congo (MONUC), and previously as Deputy Force Commander of UNDOF itself.
She’s also held senior roles back home, from Director of Education in the Ghana Armed Forces to Course Director at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre.
And yes, she speaks both English and French fluently.
At the UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Germany, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa took a proud moment during his speech to single her out:
“She received a well-deserved thunderous applause. Her appointment is the latest affirmation of the global competence and unquestionable capabilities of the Ghanaian woman.”
“We are equally proud of all 2,431 Ghanaian troops currently on peace operations around the world. Ghana shall continue to be a leading force for peace.”
Major General Anita Asmah, we see you. We salute you. And this Wednesday, we celebrate you.
