Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Force Commander (FC), United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) – Lieutenant General (Lt Gen) Subramanian Mohan, has highly commended the Ghana Battalion 11 (GHANBATT 11) for protecting the lives of the local population, humanitarian and UN Staff, who were caught up in a recent clash between two armed groups.
The FC, who was on a two-day working visit to Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT 11) Headquarters, at Bentiu in Unity State, on 18 and 19 December 2023, stated that the local authorities and other UN agencies within UNMISS and the Mission leadership, have also highly appreciated GHANBATT’s professionalism, sense of initiative and prompt reactions to the incident.
He further commended personnel of the COB for their excellent performance since their deployment, especially during the clashes between the two armed groups in Leer and Guit townships,
In commending the personnel at the visit – which was to officially interact with personnel, as well as assess GHANBATT’s operational activities since its insertion – the FC advised them not to rest on their oars, but continue to remain alert and resolute, ready and willing – per the slogan of the Unit – to protect civilians at all times.
As part of his 2-day working visit, which was the first since GHANBATT 11 took over from GHANBATT 10 in September 2023, Lt Gen S Mohan inspected a Quarter Guard and held a durbar with all ranks, during which he emphasised the need for GHANBATT 11 to continue to prioritise operational activities aimed at protecting civilians against conflict related sexual violence and gender based violence, as part of United Nations mandate.
He further advised all personnel to desist from any act of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – for which the Mission has a zero-tolerance stance against, noting that GHANBATT 11 has so far worked assiduously towards the fulfilment of UN mandate, since their insertion into the Mission.
He described GHANBATT’s performance within the short period of insertion as commendable, and acknowledged that GHANBATT remains his reliable force in Sector Unity, as far as the execution of UNMISS mandate in Sector Unity is concerned, as he reminded all troops that their deployment in South Sudan, is a divine opportunity to render a noble service to the vulnerable communities in South Sudan.
On Tuesday 19 December 2023, the FC, in the company of the Deputy Sector Commander – Colonel (Col) Seleshi Debello, and GHANBATT Commanding Officer – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Dominic Ampomah, visited Leer, where they were briefed by Major Omane-Agyekum, after which a durbar with troops ensued.
At the end of the durbar, the Force Commander presented a certificate of commendation to Maj D Omane-Agyekum – Officer Commanding (OC), Leer Company Operating Base (COB), in recognition of his exemplary leadership, initiative and prompt response during the clashes, and certificates of commendation to Staff Sergeant Tetteh Alexander and Sergeant Tamanja Albert, for their hard work within the period.
As part of events to climax his two-day working visit to GHANBATT, General Mohan and his entourage were hosted to a dinner by Lt Col D Ampomah at the GHANBATT Officers’ Mess at the Battalion HQ, where they were treated to some melodious music from the GHANBATT Band, and were presented with gifts by the CO.
Credit: UNMISS GH 11 PI CELL
