Kofi Ampeah Woode
The United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei Ghanaian Battalion 2 (UNISFA GHANBATT 2) which had 66 Artillery Regiment (66 Arty Regt) forming its Command and nucleus, held end of tour thanksgiving service and consecration of colours, to give thanks to God for a successful tour of duty.
In remarks by the Commanding Officer (CO) – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Edward Sarpong Appiah, on Sunday 7 July, 2024 at the St Ignatius Catholic Church at the Volta Barracks, Ho, he recounted how the past 15 months had been momentous and challenging, but by the grace of God, they successfully ended the tour.
He continued that it was important to show gratitude to God for his bountiful mercies, guidance, and protection during their tour of duty, and equally commended all personnel of the Battalion for their loyalty, vigilance, integrity, dedication, hard work and professionalism, which enabled them to successfully maintain the needed peace and security amidst all their challenges.
He further urged them to continue to maintain these positive attributes to enable them discharge their duties in the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) with honour, pride and dignity as they have done during their tour of duty.
Lt Col ES Appiah outlined key welfare packages to the Regiment and the Artillery Training School, such as contributions made by all Gunners and 7 Medical Reception Station (7MRS) personnel who were in the GHANBATT.
The projects include the completion of the Amenity Centre in the Regiment, the completion of the Artillery Training School lecture hall, the purchase of brand new band instruments to the Regiment, as well as 2 industrial and 2 commercial sewing machines to the tailoring shop of the Regiment.
The Guest of Honour, and President of Ghana Artillery Officers Association – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Nicholas Kwami Kporku (Rtd) congratulated all personnel of UNISFA GH2 for a successful tour, and admonished all to remain loyal, ready and willing to help civil authority to maintain law and order in their respective Areas of Operational Responsibility.
He continued by advising them to make good use of their resources and prioritize retirement in all their financial decisions, and concluded with commendations for the wives of personnel for their unwavering support through the years, and hoped the support will be maintained in the years ahead.
The service was graced by the Volta Regional Minster – Dr Archibald Yao Letsa; Reverend Wing Commander Gershon Yao Tamadonku (Rtd); members of RCC44/SSC43; Members from the Volta Regional Security Council; Volta Regional Peace Council; personnel of UNISFA GH2, Officers, Old Gunners and their wives, Soldiers, Defence Civilian Staff, and churches across the 7 Garrison.
Credit: 7 GAR PR DET
