Kofi Ampeah Woode
Ghana Army’s 66 Artillery Regiment (66 Arty Regt) – Rear, organized a heartwarming reception for the Command Chalk of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei Ghana Battalion 2 (UNISFA GHANBATT 2), to welcome the Commanding Officer (CO), some Key Appointment Holders and Soldiers who formed the nucleus of the battalion back to the Regiment.
It was a joyful reception on Monday, 24 June, 2024, as troops and families met the personnel in town on their arrival, and held a route march to the Obeng Square at the Volta Barracks, amidst drumming, singing and dancing.
At the Obeng Square, the Commander Rear (Comd/R) – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Jalali Din Ibrahim officially welcomed the CO and the troops back to the Regiment, and indicated that he is relieved and thankful to God that he sent the Battalion to Abyei and brought them back safely, even though there have been series of misfortunes that befell them.
He concluded by congratulating the peacekeepers for upholding the mandates of Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the Unite Nations (UN), by being professional in the discharge of their duties, as well as ensuring that they return home safely to Ghana, the Regiment and their families.
In his remarks, the CO, UNISFA GH2 and 66 Arty Regt – Lt Col Edward Sarpong Appiah, recounted how he arrived at Abyei amidst challenges with getting the final chalk to join them, but eventually got the full complement of the Battalion and they successfully took over from UNISFA GH1.
In the course of the mission, they faced several challenges but they successfully carried out their duties to the best of their abilities, and by the grace of God, they completed 15 months in Abyei before finally coming home.
He concluded by acknowledging the hard work of the Comd/R and all personnel who were left behind in the Regiment for all the support they gave them while they were away, and indicated that he is impressed with how the Regiment was well taken care of in his absence, and congratulated Lt Col JD Ibrahim for this feat.
The celebration was climaxed with the popping of champagne and a toast to working together as a family to achieve the mission and mandate of the Regiment and GAF as a whole.
Credit: 7 GAR DPR DET
