Kofi Ampeah Woode
A delegation from the ECOWAS Standby Force Task Force ESF-TF Headquarters has conducted a one-day operational assessment visit to the Ghanaian Contingent serving with the ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB GHANCOY 1).
The purpose of the visit on Wednesday 25 May 2023, was to assess and evaluate the Unit’s preparedness in fulfilment of the ESSMGB Mandate as well as the operational readiness and challenges of the Unit towards the Guinea-Bissau’s legislative elections on 4 June 2023.
The delegation was led by Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Mactar Diop, ESF Chief of Staff (COS), accompanied by Colonel (Col) Claude Raoal Djehoungo – ESF Chief of Operations (J3), Col Pawipadi E Karbou, ESF Programmes Officer (Personnel & Logistics – J1/J4) and Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) John Koroma, ESF Chief of Communication (J6) visited the Combat Team. Col Herve Koussi, COS of the ESSMGB Force HQ also accompanied the delegation.
The Combat Team Commander, Lt Col David Korsah received and briefed the delegation on the operational activities, administration and logistics state of the Unit in addition to the planning and preparation process the Combat Team is undertaking towards the upcoming legislative election.
Furthermore, the delegation was conducted around the various guard posts of the Unit within the premises of the Presidential Palace and Unit facilities. Key amongst the facilities toured were the Tactical Operations Centre (TOC/Operations Room), model room, Level I Hospital/Company Aid Post (CAP) and the Maintenance Workshop. The CT Comd also led the team to call on the Chief of the Presidential Security Corps at the Guinea-Bissau Presidency, Colonel Tcherninho Bari
The leader of the delegation praised CT Comd for the detailed and concise brief and additionally commended the leadership, Officers and Soldiers of the Unit, for their professionalism and successes chalked in contributing to the stabilisation process in Guinea-Bissau which is needed to create the necessary conditions to facilitate peace and development in the country.
The CT Comd presented a plaque to the ESF COS on behalf of the Officers and Soldiers of the Unit to crown the visit.
