Kofi Ampeah Woode
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) 11 under the command of Lt Col Dominic Ampomah, has held its end of tour Religious and Thanksgiving Parade at the Battalion Headquarters (BnHQ) in Bentiu, under the theme “My God, My Gratitude – Praise the Lord”.
The Religious Parade on Sunday 25 August 2024, was officiated by the GHANBATT Imam – Lieutenant (Lt) Sahmu-deen Ridwan and Chaplain – Lt Reverend (Rev) Jonathan Mensah.
Delivering the Quranic Sermon, the Imam beseeched all to liken their journey on earth to their tour of duty in South Sudan with UNMISS, and intimated that unlike their mission in South Sudan which has an established clear date for commencement and completion, that of their duty tour on earth has no established date for commencement and completion.
He indicated that no one knows when, how and where their tour on earth will come to an end, and thus all have to be grateful to God, reconcile with others – wherever there may be relational offences – and live their lives for God because tomorrow is never promised as written in Quran Chapter 2 verse 281.
The Clergy in his sermon expressed that thanksgiving and gratitude to God demands focus, intention, practice and care thus it is no secret that living a life of gratitude is generally considered to be of great benefit to the individual, adding that forgiveness is seen as a kind of gift or an act of kindness towards one another, hence it should be a lifestyle.
The Guest of Honour for the service, the UNMISS Sector Unity Head of Field Office – Mr Kwame Dwamena-Aboagye, commended GHANBATT 11 for its resilience, professionalism and dedication to hard work since its insertion in the Mission towards the attainment of the UN Mandate, and continuous commitment to international peace and security.
Recounting his 18 years of service with UN, and experience in war-torn countries, he urged the Peacekeepers continue to play their roles as peace ambassadors, when they return to their home country.
The Commanding Officer (CO) UNMISS GHANBATT 11 – Colonel (Col) Dominic Ampomah in his remarks, expressed joy and gratitude to God for seeing GHANBATT 11 through a successful tour, regardless of the challenges encountered.
He added that, GHANBATT 11 commenced its mission with God, quoting Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways submit to him, and he will make your path straight”, which he said necessitated GHANBATT’s first 3-days fasting and prayers on 19 to 21 October 2023, the Second on 3 to 5 January 2024 and finally on 21 to 23 August 2024.
He said the Spiritual exercises, including religious parades among others, have been the basis of divine grace enjoyed throughout GHANBATT’s tour of duty, and that the physical and spiritual protection of the GHANBATT throughout the numerous operational activities, were enough reasons to remain grateful to God.
He stated that UNMISS GHANBATT 11 has been successful in achieving great height in the performance of its operational responsibilities, adding that in terms of administration, the GHANBATT performed beyond expectations, especially in the areas of Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, including veterinary outreach programs, troops’ administration, such as the successful conduct of the leave program, and the effective management of health cases.
He stressed that in the area of logistics, the GHANBATT distinguished itself, following the completion of numerous projects and strict adherence to maintenance of Contingent Owned Equipment (COE), which reflected in high performance in all the COE Inspections conducted within the period, which he asserted, were achieved through discipline, hard work, professionalism and initiatives by troops.
He thanked God the GHANBATT 151 personnel of the 700 All Ranks who were promoted within the tour of duty, and expressed appreciation to personnel for their dedication to duty, commitment to responsibilities, and demonstration of professionalism, which contributed to his success as the Commanding Officer and promotion from the rank of Lt Col to Colonel.
Others dignitaries present were the Sector Unity Commander – Brigadier General (Brig Gen) William Ryarasa, COs of Pakistani Military Engineer Task Force (Pak METF), Vietnamese Level II Hospital, the Ghana Formed Police Unit, and various section Heads of the UNMISS Bentiu Field Office.
Credit: UNMISS GHANBATT 11 PI CELL
