The Government has announced plans to name two new military barracks under construction at Dambai in the Oti Region and Ajumako Asiam in the Central Region after two of Ghana’s most celebrated military commanders, according to information published by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) on its official website.
The facilities will be named Fort Anyidoho and Erskine Barracks in honour of Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho and the late Lieutenant General Emmanuel Alexander Erskine, whose distinguished military careers helped to cement Ghana’s reputation in international peacekeeping operations.
The announcement was made by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, during a luncheon for past commandants and international alumni at the Fletcher Mess on July 2, 2026.
The event formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
According to the GAF, Fort Anyidoho will recognise the exceptional military service of Maj Gen Anyidoho, whose contributions to global peacekeeping have earned him both national and international acclaim.
Maj Gen Anyidoho served as Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) from 1993 to 1995 during the Rwandan genocide, where he played a key role in coordinating efforts to protect and evacuate civilians amid one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
His distinguished service earned him Ghana’s Distinguished Service Order for Gallantry in March 2000, while the Government of Rwanda honoured him with the National Order for Bravery (Indengabaganizi) for his contribution to peace and humanitarian protection.
The second installation, Erskine Barracks, will commemorate the legacy of Lt Gen Emmanuel Alexander Erskine, regarded as one of Ghana’s foremost pioneers in international peacekeeping.
According to the GAF, Lt Gen Erskine became the first Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), serving from 1978 to 1981.
He later served as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Representative for Matters Relating to UN Peacekeeping Operations in the Middle East between 1981 and 1986.
The Armed Forces said his leadership elevated Ghana’s standing within the international community and laid the foundation for the country’s long-standing reputation as a dependable contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions.
Lt Gen Erskine received Ghana’s Distinguished Service Order (Military Division) in 1978 and was later decorated with the Member of the Star of Ghana (Military Division). The Government of Lebanon also conferred on him the National Order of the Cedar, the country’s highest national honour, in recognition of his service as UNIFIL’s inaugural Force Commander.
The GAF said naming the two new barracks after the distinguished generals reflects the military’s long-standing tradition of honouring exceptional service and preserving institutional heritage. It noted that the initiative is expected to inspire future generations of officers and soldiers to uphold the values of courage, professionalism and selfless service that both commanders exemplified throughout their military careers.
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