Kofi Ampeah Woode
In his final durbar with his troops, the Commanding Officer (CO) of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) 11 – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Dominic Ampomah has commended All Ranks of the GHANBATT for their professionalism, diligence and discipline during their tour of duty.
At the meeting held at the Battalion Headquarters (BNHQ) in Bentiu South Sudan, on Monday 19 August 2024, Lt Col Ampomah expressed appreciation for contributions and efforts of all and sundry, which he said, has exceeded expectations in achieving the Battalion’s Mandate in Sector Unity, since its insertion in September 2023.
The Mandate included the Protection of Civilians (PoC), assisting humanitarian and aid agencies to undertake their activities in close collaboration with other UN stakeholders, towards the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2729 (2024) in South Sudan.
He stated that, as part of the Operational responsibilities, GHANBATT dominated its assigned Area of Operational Responsibilities (AOR) with vigorous patrols and engagement activities among others, with high standards of professionalism.
The CO added that the prompt and proactive response by GHANBATT 11’s Company Operating Base (CoB) in Leer, during the clashes between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO) and some SPLA-IO defectors on 28 November 2023, is a classic demonstration of the GHANBATT’s professional discharge of its responsibilities, when it comes to PoC within UNMISS’ Mandate.
He cited with pride how GHANBATT 11 won the hearts and minds of the local population through its Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, specifically the veterinary outreaches, through which over 27,000 livestock of local herders, including cattle, goats and sheep, were vaccinated and or treated of various ailments, thus extending GHANBATT’s influence in communities within the Unity State of South Sudan.
Other activities included the provision of potable drinking water, teaching assistance, donation of stationeries, sanitary pads, among others, which resulted in GHANBATT attaining high recognition and publications in UNMISS website and magazines, as well as some UNMISS and UN social media platforms.
The CO also commended All Ranks, especially Key Appointment Holders, for their initiatives and commitment during the period, and indicated that the GHANBATT was able to undertake a number of projects through the hard work and initiatives of his Officers and Soldiers.
He enumerated over 50 projects which were initiated and completed by GHANBATT 11, within the one-year period of deployment, the major one being the re-construction of the GHANBATT Post Exchange (PX) Shop in Juba.
He reiterated the need to be spiritually fortified, to enable personnel survive the face of adversities in their line of executing their professional duties, and thus, beseeched personnel to partake in the end of tour 3-day fasting and prayers.
He also admonished All Ranks to put their hard-earned peacekeeping money into good use, upon return back home to Ghana, and also advised them to continue to maintain high standards of discipline and professionalism, as the tour approaches its end.
Finally, the CO entreated All Ranks to remain focused until the end, likening the current state of the GHANBATT to passengers onboard a flight that has landed, but are advised to remain seated with their seatbelts fastened until the plane comes to a complete halt.
Credit: UNMISS GHANBATT 11 PI CELL
