Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ghanaian Contingent serving with United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), under the commands of Colonel (Col) Monte Nuamah Kuttin – Commanding Officer (CO), Ghana Medical Level II Plus Hospital (GHANMED), and Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Edward Sarpong Appiah – CO, GHANBATT have been honoured with the prestigious UN Peacekeepers’ Medals.
On Wednesday 6 March 2024, a total of 637 All Ranks were decorated with the medals, at a colourful Joint Medals’ Presentation and Ghana’s 67th Independence Anniversary Parade, at the GHANBATT Headquarters, at Athony Company Operating Base (COB).
The Reviewing Officer for the Parade – the Acting Head of Mission, and Force Commander (FC) Major General (Maj Gen) Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, commended Officers and Soldiers of both GHANBATT 2 and GHANMED 2, for the high sense of professionalism and dedication exhibited over the period.
He condemned the series of attacks that took place on 27 January 2024 in GHANBATT’s Area of Responsibility (AoR), which resulted in the death of one Ghanaian peacekeeper, and expressed his condolence to the Battalion, assuring them that the perpetuators shall be brought to justice.
He used the occasion to commend the Sector South Commander – Lt Col ES Appiah, for the exemplary leadership and the display of professionalism and courage, amidst all the challenges faced in the sector; and praised GHANBATT for the successful repatriation of over 900 Nuer Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from Abyei to Unity State, following the 27 January 2024 clashes between the Nuer and Ngok tribes.
He also expressed satisfaction with all GHANBATT’s Civilian-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities conducted specifically, the keen interest in education, and the establishment of pre-schools in Sector South.
The Reviewing Officer also expressed his appreciation to GHANMED 2, for the immense medical support given to the locals of Abyei, civilians, police and military staff of UNISFA.
The event was climaxed in the evening with a dinner dance and a band concert at UNISFA Force Head Quarters in Abyei, which had in attendance the Leader of the Medal Day Delegation from Ghana – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Charles Adu Brempong, Brig Gen BB Owusu, Mission Leadership Team, COs of various Troops Contributing Countries, some Military and UN Senior Civilian Staff from the UNISFA Headquarters, and Representatives from the Abyei Administrative Area.
Credit: UNISFA GHANBATT PIO
