Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Ghanaian Battalion No. 10 (GH10) of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has completed its tour of duty in the strife-torn country of the eastern African country, after thirteen months, with its performance at the UN theatre described by relevant authorities concerned as excellent, exceptional, extraordinary, outstanding and remarkable.
On Monday 9 October, 2023, the Commanding Officer (CO), UNMISS GH10 – Colonel (Col) Prince Eric Tandoh, led the last batch comprised of twenty (20) Officers and one hundred and eighty-two (182) Men and Women, at their Mission Accomplishment Parade, on the 5 Infantry Battalion Square, Burma Camp, Accra, with the Reviewing Officer being Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Albert Dawohoso – Assistant Commandant, Junior Division, Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College.
In a speech, Brig Gen A Dawohoso, who spoke on behalf of Ghana’s Military High Command, said the High Command had monitored the activities of UNMISS GH10 with keen interest, and has acknowledged with pride, the Battalion’s exceptional performance in the mission area.
He said of the Peacekeepers that they contributed to the achievement of the Mission Mandate, and additionally extended humanitarian support to the poor and needy within the Sector, which has deepened the cordial relations between the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and that of South Sudan.
He advised the troops to be protective of their hard-earned peacekeepers’ allowances, avoid unnecessary and frivolous spending, and plan and put such resources into good use, being wary of Ponzi schemes investment companies, promising higher interests to deceive potential investors.
He concluded by urging the returning troops to psych themselves up after their disembarkation leave, to re-join their colleagues in internal security operations with professional excellence, applying whatever positive lessons they have learnt from their tour of duty, for the benefit of GAF.
The Chief, G3, Peace Support Operations, at the Ghana Army Headquarters – Col John Danso-Ankrah, read a citation signed by GAF’s Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) – Major General Thomas Oppong-Peprah for UNMISS GH10, which read as follows:
“On 19 September 2022, UNMISS GHANBATT 10 assumed security responsibilities from UNMISS GHANBATT 9, in Bentiu, to safeguard the civilian populace of South Sudan, while facilitating the unhindered efforts of humanitarian agencies.
This endeavor was carried out in close collaboration with other UN Forces and partners to ensure the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2677 of 2023.
Despite facing some challenges, your battalion demonstrated unwavering dedication and diligence in fulfilling the UNMISS Mandate in Sector Unity. A remarkable achievement was your swift response on 9 October 2022, when a bridge dike posed a flooding threat eventually, due to heavy down pour of rain; your quick reaction prevented a potential disaster, safeguarding internally displaced persons and civilians in Unity State.
This exceptional act earned your battalion an unprecedented citation from the Unity State Governor – Lieutenant General Dr Joseph Nguen Monytuil. You also received commendations from Head of Mission, Force Commander, and other esteemed military commanders, and civilians within Sector Unity and UNMISS Headquarters for your professional conduct and operations.
Through your Civil-Military Cooperation initiatives, and engagement patrols, your battalion made meaningful contributions to the betterment of the people of Unity State.
Particularly noteworthy was your expansive veterinary program which successfully treated over 20,000 livestock. This engagement stood as a shining example of your uncountable civil military activities, leaving an enduring positive impression on the people of South Sudan. Your dedicated efforts improved troops welfare and working conditions leading to an increase in self-initiated projects within the battalion.
Through your exceptional leadership, the battalion performed remarkably in all the four Contingent Owned Equipment (COE) Inspections during the period. These accomplishments ensured that Ghana received the due reimbursements.
Furthermore, the Unit’s operational readiness evaluation was excellent, a testament of your unwavering focus for cultivating a motivated and operationally prepared unit.
In recognition of this extraordinary performance, I take immense pride on your behalf, and on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, the High Command, and the Ghana Army in particular, to wholeheartedly commend you – Col Prince Tandoh, and every member of UNMISS GH10, for an exceptionally accomplished mission.”
The unprecedented citation by the Governor of Unity State, South Sudan – Lieutenant General Joseph Nguen Monytuil, presented to UNMISS GH10 on their Medals Day, read as follows:
“IN HONOUR OF UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN GHANAIAN BATTALION 10
On behalf of the Government and good people of South Sudan, we wish to express our sincerest gratitude to the Commanding Officer and all personnel of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Ghana Battalion 10 (GHANBATT 10). The GHANBATT over the period of its tour of duty always rose up to the occasion when called upon.
One cannot forget the immense role played by the GHANBATT on the dawn of 9 October 2022, when there were major breaches in the dikes as a result of heavy rains. Your quick intervention prevented a severe flooding of the Rubkona Airfield, Internally Displaced Persons (DP) Camps, UNMISS Bentiu Camp and other affected areas within Bentiu Town. The GHANBATT did not rest on its oars but continued to monitor, report and repair breaches on the dikes, hence ensuring the safety of IDPs and other civilians in Unity State.
The GHANBATT through its CIMIC activities and Engagement Patrols were able to contribute its quota in diverse means to assist the people of Unity State. Your frequent donations to schools and local communities, veterinary outreaches (about 16,000 cattle, goats and sheep treated for various diseases), skills training, sewage dislodging among others are much recognized and appreciated.
On our part, we are grateful that you extended all these supports to us in addition to performing your Core duties of maintaining peace and security in Unity State, South Sudan.”
The biblical narration of David’s return from battle met with singing by his female compatriots, was reenacted, as the Magadjias of 5Bn – who formed the nucleus of UNMISS GH10 – danced to brass band tunes by the Battalion’s band, to welcome their heroes at the main entry of 5Bn.
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
