GHANBATT takes over from the French in Chad

Accra, May 21, GNA - The Ghanaian military contingent in Chad has formally taken over command and operational responsibility of the UN Mission in the Central African Republic and Chad (MINURCAT). The event marked the formal handing over of operational responsibility of Sector 'C' in Farchana from the French component of the European Force (EUFOR) to the Ghanaian contingent, according to an official statement from the Ghana Armed Forces on Thursday. It said at a short but impressive parade to mark the handing over on May 15, the Deputy Force Commander, Brig. Gen. Gerald Aheme, recounted Ghana's exploits in international peacekeeping and said he had no doubt that GHANBATT would uphold the MINURCAT Mission in Central Chad.

He was full of praise for the troops for maintaining a tradition of professionalism and asked them to demonstrate the same level of commitment in order to consolidate the gains made by their predecessors. Brig. Gen. Aheme also reminded the Ghanaian troops that the situation on hand was dicey and the period ahead could be tough. He therefore urged them to work assiduously to further promote peace in Chad.

He commended the Ghana Government for sending troops to maintain peace in Chad and also assured all that "there were no problems but only solutions".

The Deputy Force Commander also had a word of gratitude for the withdrawing European Forces.

Brig. Gen. Aheme lauded the immense contribution of the French (EUFOR) troops in an effort to bring lasting peace in Chad. The final withdrawal of the French troops marks the end of EUFOR Mission in Chad. The French Force which comprised the 21st Foreign Infantry battalion departs the mission area for France on May 25. In another development, the Commanding Officer of MINURCAT GHANBATT ONE, Lt. Col. B.B. Owusu has thanked the French Contingent Commander, Lt. Col. Berard for the support and detailed briefing he offered him. He added that though the handing over period with the French was short, GHANBATT nevertheless learnt a lot with regard to the requirements and challenges of the Mission.

GHANBATT's area of responsibility border Darfur to the east and spans a total area of 4,500 square kilometres with approximately 99,000 refugees and internally displaced persons.