Kofi Ampeah Woode
As part of activities commemorating the 75th Anniversary of United Nations Peacekeeping, and to support its local population, the Ghana Engineer Company 10 (GHANENGCOY 10) serving with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), has presented 25 sewing machines to 25 persons within Timbuktu, who had been trained in sewing but needed sewing machines to work.
On Tuesday 30 May 2023, the Company, in association with the MINUSMA Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Office, presented the items at the forecourt of the Timbuktu Regional Administration, as part of the GHANEGCOY’s social interaction and winning hearts and minds of the civilians under its care.
The Commander of Engineer Company 10 – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Edward Kofi Poku indicated that the kind gesture was aimed at improving relations between the Timbuktu community and the Ghana Contingent, while increasing MINUSMA footprint in Timbuktu, as the Mayor of Timbuktu – Mr Aboubacrine A Cisse and a representative of the Malian Armed Forces Commander in Timbuktu – SLT M Camara, witnessed the event.
Mayor Cisse in his address, acknowledged the gesture by MINUSMA and the GHANENGCOY for identifying the youth in the community for assistance and boosting their skill sets, as he recalled the long-standing relations between Ghana, Mali and MINUSMA.
The Sector West G9 Chief – Lt Col Jaleel Abbas, indicated that the gesture was a commendable one and thanked the Engineer Company 10 for the initiative, and encouraged the recipients to utilize the machines to improve their livelihoods and the community.
Between March and April 2023, the Company identified and selected 25 male and female traders within Timbuktu, conducted a needs assessment of a section of the population of Timbuktu, Mali, and despite challenging security situation in the sector, closely coordinated with UN Department of Security and Safety (UNDSS) and the CIMIC Office, and organized the donation.
Curtesy: GHANENGCOY 10 PI Cell
