UNITED NATIONS HONOURS GHANAIAN TROOPS IN COTE D’IVOIRE

The United Nations Secretary General has awarded the United Nations Peace Medals to Ghanaian Troops serving with the United Nations Operations in La Cote D’Ivoire (UNOCI) for their contribution towards the peace process in the country. A citation accompanying the award of the Medals stated “In recognition of having completely met the requirement of eligibility and having completed the necessary period of qualifying service as military members of the United Nations Operations in La Cote D’Ivoire, the Secretary General of the United Nations has awarded the United Nations Peace Medals to serving personnel of the Ghana Contingent”. It was given under the hand of his Special Representative based in the country.

At a well attended parade, under the Command of Lt Col Albert Adu, the Commanding Officer of UNOCI Ghanbatt 9, the Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Operations in Cote D’Iviore, Brigadier General Elhadji Mohamadou Kandji commended the Ghanaian troops for their professionalism and contribution in ensuring that their area of operational responsibility has remained calm over the years. He acknowledged Ghana’s contributions in peacekeeping operations around the world and challenged the troops to continue working very hard, especially as the elections of Cote D’Ivoire is around the corner.

A high powered delegation representing the Government and the Armed Forces of Ghana was at the ceremony to witness the award of the peace Medals. It was led by Maj Gen AK Abdulai, the Commandant of the Ghana Military Academy and Training Schools of the Ghana Armed Forces. At a reception organised by the Ghana Contingent after the parade, Maj Gen Abdulai assured that Ghana would continue to provide troops to the peacekeeping operations in Cote D’Iviore since the two countries are not only neighbours, but one people separated only by a border.

SOURCE: LT(GN) ANDY LA-ANYANE PRESS INFORMATION OFFICER UNOCI GHANBATT 9