By Lt George Francisco-Ribeiro, Ghana Contingent Press Information Officer
Ghanaian Peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Operations in La Cote d’Ivoire, (UNOCI) have been presented with UN Peace Medals at an impressive Medal Day Parade held on January 13, 2012 at the Ali Timite Stadium in Bondoukou, La Cote d’Ivoire.
The Deputy Force Commander of UNOCI, Brig Gen Talla Niang in his speech at the parade commended Officers, Men and Women of the Ghana Contingent (GHANCON) for their immense contribution to the restoration of lasting peace, security and stability in La Cote d’Ivoire.
He lauded Ghana's commitment in contributing troops to most United Nations missions in search of global peace, adding that Ghana's contribution to UNOCI was commendable as it spanned over a period of ten years, with very significant contribution towards peace in the country.
Brig Gen Niang who was also the Reviewing Officer, commended the Ghana Contingent for its professionalism and selfless sacrifices throughout the tour of duty in ensuring a peaceful legislative elections and helping to bring lasting peace to La Cote d’Ivoire.
“The Contingent was able to deploy and readjust its forces to very remote areas in its Area of Responsibility to ensure freedom of movement and incident-free elections by the adoption of a robust posture”, he stressed.
He praised the Contingent for their cordial relations with other UN agencies, National Security Forces, the local authorities and the general populace in creating a congenial environment for peace and reconciliation. He hailed the Contiungent’s humanitarian assistance offered to the locals in their AOR, particularly the medical outreach programmes, provision of potable water, sensitization programmes and the mission-sponsored Quick Impact Project in which a three-classroom block and a toilet had bee n built for the Nao Community, a village 50 km north-east of Bondoukou.
He also acknowledged the efforts of Ghana Level II hospital in securing the health and wellbeing of all members of UNOCI and the locals, as well as the Ghana Aviation unit for their immense contribution in the movement of both military and civil personnel across the length and breadth of the country including their humanitarian support to an orphanage in Bouake. He however urged personnel to remain alert to execute UNOCI’s mandate even as they navigate the difficult road to lasting peace, stability and development, adding that Ivorians and posterity would remember them for being part of the significant moment in the history of La Cote d’Ivoire.
It is pertinent to note that Ghana has a contingent of about 600 troops comprising an Infantry battalion, a Level II hospital capable of undertaking various degrees o f surgery and an Aviation transport unit equipped with MI7 helicopters. Present to grace the august occasion was a high-powered Ghana Government Delegation led by Lt Gen Peter Augustine Blay, Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Brig Gen Yanyi- Akofur, Director General (International Peace Support Operations), Air Cdre P K Ayisa, Base Comander, Tamale, Commodore K Osei- Sarfo, Defence Attaché to the Ghana Ambassador to La Coted’Ivoire, Col AK Asare, Director Army Peacekeeping Operations, Col M Atintande, Director Public Relations Directorate of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The rest are Mr Bons A Abambora, representative of the Ghana Ambassador to La Cote d’Ivoire, Capt FK Mautsueni, ADC to the CDS and Chief Warrant Officer Adu- Yaw, Forces Sergeant Major.
The Ivorian Government was represented by several Prefets and Mayors within GHANBATT Area of Operation and Senior Officers of the Ivorian Security Forces, Senior Military and Civilian Staff from UNOCI and Sector East headquarters also graced the occasion.
