By Zobia Zulfqar 
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to name two new military barracks currently under construction after two distinguished generals of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) in recognition of their exceptional service to the nation and international peacekeeping.
The facilities, located at Dambai in the Oti Region and Ajumako Asiam in the Central Region, will be named Fort Anyidoho and Erskine Barracks, honouring the remarkable contributions of Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho and Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo Erskine.
The announcement was made by the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, during a luncheon held for past commandants and international alumni at the Fletcher Mess on July 2, 2026.
The event formed part of activities marking the 50th anniversary celebrations of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College (GAFCSC), highlighting the institution’s contribution to military leadership and professional development.
Lieutenant General Agyapong said the decision reflects the government’s commitment to preserving the legacy of military officers whose leadership, professionalism and dedication have strengthened Ghana’s armed forces and enhanced the country’s international reputation.
Fort Anyidoho will be named in honour of Major General Henry Kwami Anyidoho, one of Ghana’s most respected military officers and international peacekeepers.
Major General Anyidoho earned global recognition for his role as Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda (UNAMIR) between 1993 and 1995, during one of the darkest periods in Rwanda’s history.
Throughout the Rwandan Genocide, he demonstrated exceptional courage and leadership while coordinating efforts to protect civilians and support humanitarian operations under extremely dangerous conditions.
His service has been widely praised both in Ghana and internationally for its professionalism and commitment to peacekeeping.
In recognition of his contributions, the Government of Ghana awarded him the Distinguished Service Order for Gallantry on March 17, 2000.
He was also honoured by the Government of Rwanda with the National Order for Bravery (Indengabaganizi) for his role during the humanitarian crisis.
The second facility, Erskine Barracks, will commemorate Lieutenant General Arnold Quainoo Erskine, another distinguished officer whose military career significantly shaped the development of the Ghana Armed Forces.
His leadership and service remain an important part of Ghana’s military history, and naming the new barracks after him is intended to inspire future generations of soldiers.
According to the Chief of the Defence Staff, both officers exemplified the values of courage, discipline, patriotism and selfless service that continue to define the Ghana Armed Forces.
He noted that commemorating their achievements through permanent national institutions will ensure that their contributions are remembered for generations to come.
The new barracks are expected to strengthen military operations while supporting the accommodation and deployment needs of personnel in their respective regions.
Beyond their operational importance, the facilities are also expected to serve as lasting symbols of excellence, leadership and sacrifice within the armed forces.
The announcement has been welcomed as part of broader efforts to celebrate distinguished military personnel whose service has contributed to national security, peacekeeping and Ghana’s international standing.
As Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College marks its 50th anniversary, military leaders say recognising the achievements of past commanders remains an important way of preserving institutional history and inspiring future officers.
The naming of Fort Anyidoho and Erskine Barracks is expected to reinforce the armed forces’ tradition of honouring individuals whose careers have reflected the highest standards of military professionalism and national service.