Kofi Ampeah Woode
A colorful ceremony has been held at Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) Headquarters (HQ) in Bentiu, South Sudan to mark the transition of Command from Colonel (Col) Prince Tandoh – Commanding Officer (CO) United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) GHANBATT 10, to Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Dominic Ampomah – CO, UNMISS GHANBATT 11, after a “Pascal Lamp Service”.
The ceremony, which was the Second Phase of the Handing/Taking Over process, was held on Friday 29 September 2023, with the signing of the handing and taking over notes, exchange of Command Baton, handing over of the United Nations (UN) flag to GHANBATT 11 and the hoisting of the GHANBATT 11 flag.
The UNMISS Sector Unity Commander – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Emmanuel Rugazora, who was the Guest of Honour at the Handing/Taking Over Ceremony, commended GHANBATT 10 for their professional posture during their tour of duty, and welcomed Lt Col D Ampomah, urging GHANBATT 11 to continue the good works done by their predecessor.
The UNMISS Sector West Commander who doubles as the Ghanaian Contingent Commander – Brig Gen Kweku Dankwa Hagan, in his address commended GHANBATT 10 for their commitment and professionalism displayed throughout their tour, and urged GHANBATT 11 to emulate and improve on the good works of UNMISS GHANBATT 10.
The outgoing CO – Col P Tandoh, in his remarks during the transfer of Command Baton, highlighted the achievements of his GHANBATT, which he attributed to the selfless devotion and professionalism on the part of Officers and Soldiers of the GHANBATT.
Notable amongst these achievements were Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) programs, such as extensive medical and veterinary outreaches, as well as numerous donations to schools, churches and mosques.
Lt Col Ampomah, in his remarks indicated that, it was with great honor and a deep sense of responsibility that he assumed Command of the Battalion, and therefore, entreated his Officers and Soldiers of the Ready and willing fraternity, to display a high level of loyalty, dedication and commitment, towards the success and attainment of the GHANBATT’s mandate.
He also commended the UNMISS Sector Unity Commander and the Acting Head of Field Officer (HoFO) for the cooperation, esprit de corps, and good working relations that existed between GHANBATT 10 and the Sector. He however requested that same support should be extended to his Battalion for its successes and the collective success of the Sector, in the execution of UN mandate in South Sudan.
Lt Col D Ampomah expressed appreciation to Col Tandoh for the warm reception, exemplary leadership and for lifting high the image of Ghana in South Sudan.
The week-long ceremony started on Sunday 24 September 2023 with the passing of the Pascal Candle during a church parade dubbed the “Pascal Lamp Service”, which was held at the Paradise Dome, at the GHANBATT HQ.
The passing of the Pascal Lamp from CO GHANBATT 10 to CO GHANBATT 11, signified that the perpetual flame lit by the first Ghana Battalion in South Sudan needs to be kept aflame throughout the tour of duty of GHANBATT 11.
The Acting Head of Field Office (HoFO) of Sector Unity – Madam Jane Kony, in her address during the Church Parade, commended Col Tandoh for his astute leadership and GHANBATT’s enormous contributions towards the mandate of UN, in safeguarding peace in South Sudan. She was optimistic that GHANBATT 11, would work assiduously toward the success of GHANBATT’s mission as part of the UNMISS mandate.
She however charged personnel of GHANBATT 11 to remain resolute, maintain high standards and professionalism at all times.
Credit: UNMISS GH11 PI CELL
