The Head of Mission and Force Commander (FC) for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Maj Gen Paolo Serra, has lauded officers and men of UNIFIL Ghanbatt 75 for their selfless sacrifice and devotion to duty in the quest to bring lasting peace in Southern Lebanon.

He noted that Ghanbatt’s professionalism and immense contribution towards the overall success of UNIFIL mission cannot be overemphasised. Maj General Serra made these remarks when he awarded Peace Medals to Ghanaian troops on the occasion of their Medals Presentation Parade held on Tuesday 3 May, 2012 at the Ghanbatt Headquarters, Al-Qawzah in Lebanon.

On parade to mark the day were 17 officers and 174 men and women made up of four contingents under the command of Lt Col Albert Dawohoso. The Force Commander who was also the Reviewing Officer showed his appreciations to the gallant officers, men and women of Ghanbatt 75 for their handwork, dedication to duty, professionalism and immense contribution adding, “UNIFIL and the United Nations acknowledge this as a true peculiar sacrifice”.

He also acknowledged the Medical and Dental outreach programmes and daily medical assistance provided by the Level 1 Hospital as well as free English Lessons and other CIMIC and humanitarian activities provided to the local populace in addressing their critical needs irrespective of the limited resources available to the battalion, “these laudable gesture is commendable as it has brought smiles on the faces of the people within your area of responsibility” (AOR), he pointed out. He also stressed that battalion’s dedication to the mission has also reflected in the assistance it had given to the Lebanese people in its AOR through years of mutual co-operation and mutual understanding. “I am aware of the in- mission training the Battalion has been conducting since you arrived in AOR, your joint role with the UNIFIL security and Lebanese Armed Forces in conducting patrols for the local population have been well assimilated.”

Brig Gen Paolo Serra congratulated Officers, Men and women of Ghanbatt 75 for working hard for their medals and asked them to wear it with pride as it indicates appreciation of their faithful commitment and sacrifices exhibited towards world peace and expressed the hope they would continue in the same spirit till they hand over the mantle to their successors.

The FC showed further gratitude to the Contingent Commander, Col Raymond Hatse and the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Albert Kwadwo Dawohoso for their exemplary leadership and cooperation between Ghanbatt and UNIFIL.

Present at the parade were the Honorary Consul of Ghana in Lebanon, His Excellency Michel Haddad, a -six- member Ghanaian delegation led by the Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Commodore Geoffrey Mawuli Biekro, the Sector West Commander, Brig Gen Carlo Lamanna, Military and Civilian Staff of UNIFIL, Mayors, Mouktars and Religious leaders, senior officers from the Lebanese Armed Forces and Men and women of the Battalion.

From the Press and Information Officer

Lt Beatrice Okailey Okine

UNIFIL Ghanbatt 75