SOCIO-ECONOMIC FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE THE PARTICIPATION OF PERSONNEL IN UNITED NATION PEACEKEEPING OPERATIONS: THE CASE OF THE GHANA ARMED FORCES

ABSTRACT Ghana continues to contribute troops to UN peacekeeping operations across the globe and presently Ghana is the eighth (8th) largest contributor of military personnel for UN peacekeeping operations in the world. Subsequently, several reasons motivate countries (Ghana) to participate in UN peacekeeping operations. These reasons could be classified under economic benefits, institutional benefits and political stability. This study seeks to explore socio-economic factors that influence Ghanaian soldiers’ participation in UN peacekeeping. The study uses primary data based on a sample of 397 soldiers collected through administration of structured questionnaires in 2018 to analyze the factors that influence participation of soldiers in peacekeeping. Using the probit estimation technique, the study presented that socio-economic factors such as educational level, availability of the soldier (i.e. soldiers seeking higher education or doing business), travelling opportunity, combat experience & exposure, risk, peacekeeping as a privilege and financial benefits significantly influence soldiers’ participation in peacekeeping. The study further revealed that majority of the soldiers use the funds obtained to build, acquire land, cars, home appliances, expand their businesses and cater for their ward’s school fees & medical bills. This improves the welfare status of the soldier. The study recommends that the government of Ghana (Ministry of Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the Military High Command must ensure that proper and vigorous risk assessment are done on every peacekeeping mission and all necessary logistical and operational support provided in the MOU before committing to peacekeeping. Participating soldiers must be alert, vigilant, steady and professional at all times to avoid certain errors that may lead to loss of lives and properties. Keywords: Peacekeeping; peace building; participation; welfare