HERO IGNORED — Ghana’s First Female UN Peacekeeper Says Military Knows Her Feat But “Doesn’t Care”

Ghana’s first female United Nations peacekeeper, Georgina Mensah , says the military is aware of her historic achievement but has done little to formally recognize her contribution.

Speaking to Kafui Dey,Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mensah said she was disappointed that the institution had not done enough to honour the pioneering role she played in opening the way for other Ghanaian women in peacekeeping.

“They do, but I don’t think they care,” she said when asked whether the military recognised that she was the first female UN peacekeeper.

Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mensah said she had occasionally encountered younger military officers who recognised her contribution and expressed their appreciation.

She recalled meeting a female Air Force officer at a funeral who immediately recognized her and exclaimed, “Auntie Georgina, is that you?”

She also recounted meeting a naval officer at 37 Military Hospital who embraced her after recognizing her.

According to Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mensah, the reactions from individual officers have been encouraging, but institutional recognition has been lacking.

She said one officer was particularly unhappy about the situation and told her he intended to raise the matter because he believed the military should have done more for her.

“He was very sad about the fact that the military hasn’t done anything like you are doing for me,” Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mensah recalled.

She said she herself had no intention of fighting the institution over the issue.

“ I can’t go and fight,” she said.

For Retired Lieutenant Colonel Mensah, however, the recognition she receives from individuals within the military remains meaningful.

She pointed to the younger generation of female officers as evidence that the path she helped open has continued to produce results.

Her own journey to peacekeeping was far from straightforward. After her nomination was cancelled, she challenged senior officers and eventually secured her place on the mission.

Years later, she remains recognized by many of the women who followed into military and peacekeeping roles.