Home DefenceAir Force ECOMIG GHANCOY 8 HONOURED WITH ECOWAS MEDALS, CELEBRATES GHANA DAY

ECOMIG GHANCOY 8 HONOURED WITH ECOWAS MEDALS, CELEBRATES GHANA DAY

by Kofi Ampeah Woode

Ghanaian troops (GHANCOY 8) serving with the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) have been decorated with ECOWAS service medals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to peace and stability in The Gambia.

The medal presentation ceremony, held at the contingent’s base in Barra, North Bank Region, and coinciding with Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, celebrated on Thursday 6 March 2025, featured an impressive parade and was attended by high-ranking officials and dignitaries.

To mark the occasion, GHANCOY 8 organized a series of cultural and commemorative activities under the theme “Reflect, Review, Reset”, which included performances by local ensembles, and an exhibition of Made-in-Ghana products for guests in attendance.

Her Excellency Madam Miatta Lily French – ECOMIG Head of Mission, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, alongside The Gambia’s Minister of Defence – Honourable Sering Modou Njie, who served as the Special Guest.

Both officials commended the Ghanaian contingent for their professionalism, resilience, and commitment to ECOMIG’s mandate.

In recognition of GHANCOY 8’s exceptional service, the contingent received a citation from the ECOMIG Mission Headquarters, acknowledging their efforts in upholding democracy, safeguarding lives and property, fostering peace in The Gambia, the Unit’s discipline, operational effectiveness, and commitment to regional stability.

Addressing the gathering, the Guest of Honour praised GHANCOY 8 for their pivotal role in maintaining peace and security in the North Bank Region, noting that while their primary duties were operational, they had gone beyond military engagements by spearheading impactful Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives.

Such initiatives have included blood donation drives, humanitarian aid during Tobaski, and friendly sports engagements — all of which strengthened ties with local communities, emphasizing that their selfless service made them truly deserving of the medals awarded.

Mr Sering Modou Njie also lauded Ghana’s unwavering commitment to regional peace and security, and hence recognized GHANCOY 8’s significant contributions to ECOWAS’ stabilization efforts, as he expressed The Gambian government’s deep appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces, the Government of Ghana, and the troops themselves.

He underscored the enduring diplomatic and security cooperation between The Gambia and Ghana, noting the symbolic visits of Ghanaian Presidents as a testament to their strong bilateral ties, and thus urged the incoming Ghana Company 9, to build on their predecessors’ successes, and continue advancing ECOMIG’s mission.

Reflecting on the unit’s 10-month deployment, Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Puoriyelle Dery, Contingent Commander of ECOMIG GHANCOY 8, described the period as one of both triumphs and challenges.

He attributed their success to rigorous pre-deployment training, teamwork, and unwavering support from ECOMIG leadership, the Gambia Armed Forces, and local communities; and expressed gratitude to the ECOMIG Head of Mission, the Gambian Minister of Defence, and the Ghana Armed Forces High Command, for their guidance and support.

Lieutenant Colonel Dery – Officer Commanding, ECOMIG GHANCOY 8, also acknowledged the crucial role of local leaders and residents, emphasizing that the GHANCOY’s achievements were the result of a collective effort.

Also in attendance at the ceremony was a Medal Delegation from Ghana, led by Brigadier General Albert Dawohoso – Deputy Commandant, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College; as well as members of the Ghanaian community in The Gambia, including representatives from The Gambia Law School, Ghana Town, and other educational institutions.

Personnel from other ECOMIG contingents and the Gambia Defence and Security Forces (GDSF) were also present to witness the celebrations.

Credit: ECOMIG GHANCOY 8 HQ

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