Kofi Ampeah Woode
Personnel of United Nations Multi-Dimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali, Ghana Engineer Company 10 (MINUSMA GHANENGCOY 10) have been decorated with the MINUSMA Peace Medals, in recognition of their efforts to peace in Mali, having completed the mandatory period in the Mission.
On Thursday 18 May 2023, at a parade at the Sappers Camp in Timbuktu, Mali, GHANENGCOY 10 was decorated with the United Nations Peacekeepers’ Medals, with the Officer Commanding (OC) – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Edward Kofi Poku, leading the pack.
The Chief of Staff (CoS), General Headquarters of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) – Major General (Maj Gen) Nicholas Peter Andoh, who led Ghana’s Medals Day delegation, indicated how refreshing and important it was, that despite several attacks on the GHANENGCOY by hostile elements, and the destruction of critical engineer equipment, injury to troops, coupled with some operational and logistical challenges, GHANENGCOY 10 had prevailed and is still focused.
The CoS expressed Ghana’s Military High Command’s appreciation to the host country – Mali and its Armed Forces (FAMa), for their continued collaboration with MINUSMA Peacekeepers, to ensure the return of a lasting peace in Mali and the entire Sub-Region.
General Andoh congratulated GHANENGCOY 10, on behalf of Ghana’s Military High Command, deeming them to have variously contributed to the achievement of the MINUSMA Mandate, in providing mobility and construction support to MINUSMA Sector West, and thus deserving of the UN Peacekeepers’ Medals. He however, urged them to maintain professional performance for the rest of the deployment period.
MINUSMA Sector West Commander – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Joel Biwanlo, who was the Reviewing Officer for the Medal Parade, highlighted the important role played by GHANENGCOY 10 in the Sector, and was particularly impressed with the numerous engineering tasks assigned the Company in Timbuktu, Ber and Goundam, under harsh weather and difficult terrain, but completed.
The Sector Commander specifically cited works done by the Unit at the Timbuktu Market, improvement of the prayer grounds at Sankore Mosque, Timbuktu, the completion of security enhancements for FAMa, ongoing security enhancement works in all UN Camps in Sector West, and the provision of critical equipment support to the Mission.
The OC, in his welcome remarks showed appreciation to his Military High Command, and All Ranks of the Company for their dedication, hard work, and professionalism over the past 15 months of deployment in Timbuktu, adding that despite some operational and logistical challenges encountered by the Company, coupled with attacks, equipment damages and injury to personnel of the Company, troops remained determined and carried out their duties professionally, with loyalty and discipline.
MINUSMA GHANENGCOY 10 was attacked at its Unit location in April 2022, and also suffered convoy attacks in December 2022.
The ceremony was witnessed by Ghana’s Ambassador to Mali – His Excellency Napoleon Abdulai, representatives of the MAFa and Officials from the MINUSMA Mission.
Curtesy: GHANENGCOY 10 PI CELL
