Another batch of soldiers leave for peacekeeping

United Nations Assistance Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL) Ghanbatt Six made up of 260 soldiers - 47 officers and 213 other ranks - left Accra on Wednesday for Freetown to replace UNAMSIL Ghanabatt Five in peacekeeping duties.

The contingent, which is under the command of Lieutenant Colonel John Bosco Guyiri, Commanding Officer of the 5th Battalion of Infantry, would operate for a minimum period of six months.

The soldiers had earlier undergone a month-long intensive pre-operational training at Bundase Military Training Camp in peacekeeping skills. Addressing the troops at the Kotoka International Airport before their departure, Brigadier J. B. Danquah, General Officer Commanding the Southern Command of the Ghana Army, charged the contingent to approach its duty with professionalism and dedication that had earned Ghana acclamation in peacekeeping duties.

He enjoined them to live morally upright life and guard against contracting diseases in the mission area. Brigadier Danquah told them that life in Sierra Leone was gradually returning to normalcy and that their role was to consolidate the peace that had been achieved after several years of civil war.

Lt. Col. Guyiri pledged that the troops would do all it could to sustain the peace and stability that Sierra Leoneans were currently enjoying. UNAMSIL Ghanbatt Five that started returning home on Wednesday would be fully replaced within the next two weeks.