Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) has held a Joint Medal Presentation Ceremony, to decorate the Ghanaian, Nigerian and Senegalese contingents, as well as Staff Officers serving with the mission.
A parade was held to mark the event at the Nigerian Contingent Camp, Bissau on Thursday 8 May 2025, to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of ESSMGB peacekeepers in bringing peace and stability to the people of Guinea-Bissau.
In his welcome address, the Force Commander of ESSMGB – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Edward Odinya Ojabo stated that medal presentation ceremony is a military custom geared towards recognizing troops’ participation in Peace Support Operations/missions.
He also mentioned that, the Force has benefitted from good collaboration and timely information sharing from the host nation’s security forces.
The Force Commander congratulated the contingents for their sacrifice, selflessness, dedication and loyalty to the Stabilization Support Mission, and to the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau, and urged them to continue the good work.
The Special Guest of Honour, and the Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission – Her Excellency (HE) Dr Ngozi Ukaeje, in delivering her keynote address mentioned that, ESSMGB will continue to collaborate with the National Defence and Security Forces, as well as other partners in maintaining peace in the Country.
She reiterated that this collaboration is necessary within the context of the current political and security situation, as well as the need for sustainable peace towards the forthcoming presidential and legislative elections.
Furthermore, she conveyed her appreciation and congratulated all Officers and Soldiers serving with the mission, for their discipline and professionalism, stating that the troops deserved the prestigious ECOWAS Peace Operation medals.
Present at the ceremony were representatives of the government of Guinea-Bissau; a representative of the Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea Bissau; Service Chiefs and heads of other security agencies; members of the Diplomatic Corps in Bissau, the United Nations Resident Coordinator, ECOWAS Member States Defence Attachés in Bissau.
Also present at the ceremony was a Ghana Army delegation led by Brig Gen Fred Ntiri –Acting Commandant, National College of Defence Studies, Ghana.
Credit: PI CELL, ESSMGB GHANCOY
