A total of 633 soldiers and 80 officers from the pioneering Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) and Ghana Level II Plus Medical Unit (GHANMED) serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) have received the prestigious United Nations Peacekeeping Medals at a colourful medal parade at the mission’s headquarters.
The Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, also disclosed that the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, UNISFA in Sector South Headquarters of UNISFA, extol the virtues of the Ghanaian Contingents to UNISFA
This is in recognition of their meritorious service and immense contributions towards the peace process in the Abyei Administrative Area.
Also decorated were Headquarter Staff Officers and some Military Observers.
Addressing the contingents, the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, applauded the peacekeepers for exhibiting a high sense of professionalism and dedication in the performance of their duties.
“Beginning with the first attack on a Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) Recue Team to Agok on 6 March 2022, the Unit has come under unprecedented direct attacks of armed elements on 10 different occasions in their line of duty, making you the first that bear the scar of peace on your equipment”, stated General Sawyerr.
He stressed that through all these incidents GHANBATT 1 courageously stood their ground and defended UNISFA personnel, and installations and provided protection to civilians under imminent danger.
General Sawyerr noted with satisfaction how on several occasions, the unit went out into communities under attack to save lives and properties giving first aid, food, and shelter to internally displaced persons at the peril of their own lives, stressing that the battalion deserves the highest commendation for the extreme show of bravery and professionalism.
“I wish to express my satisfaction for the effective way you have operated in Sector South which is currently the most sensitive area in the Box” said General Sawyerr.
The Acting Head of Mission expressed satisfaction with the fact that aside all the daily operational commitment, GHANBATT has taken a keen interest in education within Sector South leading to several donations to most of the schools within its AOR, holding periodic medical outreaches, opening its health post at all its locations to offer support to locals which have helped save several lives.
The veterinary services provided to the locals have been a novelty in this Mission which has been highly appreciated by the locals, given the fact that animal husbandry is their mainstay.
General Sawyerr commended the professional services provided by Col Thomas Gbiseh and his medical team at Ghana Level 2 Plus Hospital which is the sole provider of radiological and dental services in Abyei Box, on which the local community depends.
He also commended the Sector South Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Eric Aboagye Tieku for the exemplary manner he has led his troops to achieve the great feat and for displaying professionalism, courage, and flexibility to lead a well-trained and highly motivated force to weather every storm that confronted the Unit despite the austere resources available to him.
In a goodwill message from the people and government of Ghana, Major General Charles Kodjo Asomanning, appreciated UNISFA leadership for the support given to the Ghanian Battalion and the Medical Unit which made them perform creditably well even though they arrived at the 2mission area with little logistics.
He solicited the same support for the incoming battalions that may soon be coming to replace them General Asomanning Awity pledged the Ghanaian government’s commitment to supporting UNISFA and peacekeeping globally.
Hauwa M.
