Ghanaian Troops in Sierra Leone awarded UN Medals

Accra, Jan. 28, GNA - Ghanaian Troops serving with the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone, UNAMSIL Ghanbatt 10 were decorated with UN Peace Medals at a colourful parade at the Battalion's Headquarters at Bo, the capital of the Southern Province of Sierra Leone on Wednesday, January 19.

A release from the Public Relations Directorate of the Ghana Armed Forces to GNA on Friday said the Force Commander of UNAMSIL, Major-General Sajjad Akram reviewed the parade.


The release said the Reviewing Officer commended the Ghanaian soldiers for their professionalism and dedication to duty. He mentioned in particular, the Battalion's splendid performance since being re-designated the "The Force Reserve Battalion".


He said a special task was assigned the Ghana Battalion, having in mind the Ghanaian Peacekeepers ability to deliver: "And I am glad to say that your splendid performances, through air inserted, mobile and foot patrols to almost the entire country of Sierra Leone, has justified our trust in you", he added.


On humanitarian assistance, the General thanked Ghanbatt 10 for assisting the needy with some food items, school materials and medical and dental support, among other things.


Major-General Akram also thanked Ghanbatt 10 for constructing a bridge to link two hitherto inaccessible communities and expressed the hope that the project would accelerate development in the two farming communities.

He urged the Battalion, which has as its slogan: "Total Commitment" to continue to remain focused and committed to the course of sustainable peace in Sierra Leone.


An eight-man delegation from Ghana, under the leadership of Major-General Nii Carl Coleman, Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College attended the parade.


Mr Kabral Blay Amihere, Ghana's High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, Mr Joe Blell, Deputy Minister of Defence, Republic of Sierra Leone, graced the occasion.


Also present were senior officers from the UNAMSIL Headquarters, both civilian and military, as well as a large crowd of spectators from Bo. The parade was under the command of Lt. Col, Stanley Brain Alloh, who is also the Commanding Officer of UNAMSIL Ghanbatt 10.


Other activities for the three-day ceremony included gymnastic and cultural displays and an all ranks durbar with Major-General Blell. The celebrations were rounded off with a thanksgiving church service.