The Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (DSRSG) of the United Nations Mission in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI), HE Arnauld Antoine Akodjènou, has praised Officers, Men and Women of the Ghana Contingent (GHANCON) comprising the Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT 14), Ghana Aviation (GHAV 10) and Ghana Medical (GHANMED 7) in Cote d’Ivoire for their immense contribution and sacrifices towards the quest for peace in Cote d’Ivoire.

HE Akodjènou, pointed out that, the Contingent’s performance epitomizes the standard of all Ghanaian soldiers who are noted for their professionalism, precision and dedication to duty. The DSRSG made these commendations when delivering his speech at the Medals Presentation Parade for personnel of GHANCON on Friday 29 July 2011, at GHANBATT 14 Headquarters in Bondoukou. On parade to mark the day were 9 Officers and 72 Men and Women drawn from the three Units with GHANBATT 14 Band in attendance under the command of Major Eric Kwame Boa-Amponsem. Commenting on the parade, the DSRSG said it was an outstanding display of professionalism and discipline and described their drill and turnout as impeccable.

HE Akodjènou who was also the Reviewing Officer, commended GHANBATT 14 for their humanitarian contributions and sensitization programmes through well organized Peace Caravans to reach out to local communities in the Zanzan Region which had endeared the local populace to the Battalion. He used the occasion to commend the Commanding Officer of GHANBATT 14, Lieutenant Colonel William Dagbe for his exemplary leadership qualities that has led to the success of his Battalion. He equally extended the same appreciation to the Ghanaian Contingent Commander, Brigadier General Benjamin Freeman Kusi for his guidance and support for the Contingent. He lauded Ghanaian Soldiers in Cote d’Ivoire for their Medical Outreach Programmes, Care for the less privileged, Free Medical Treatment to locals and supply of portable drinking water to Public Health Institutions and Communities in their Area of Responsibility (AOR).

HE Akodjènou also commended GHAMED 7 under the command of Colonel Mohamed Alhassan for their diverse contribution in the Mission. The Ghana Level II Hospital based in Bouake, treats not only UNOCI personnel, but also undertake Medical Outreach Programmes to help with the health needs of the local population. Similarly, he commended GHAV 10 which is under the command of Wing Commander Joshua Mensah-Larkai for their tremendous contribution in the movement of both military and civilian personnel across the length and breadth of the country

Present to grace the august occasion was a high-powered Ghana Government Delegation led by Rear Admiral Mohamed Munir Tahiru, Commandant Military Academy and Training Schools, Teshie. Other members of the delegation were Captain (GN) Samuel Wiredu Anim, Liaison Officer at the Ministry of Defence, Colonel Joe Franklove Manu from the Directorate of Logistics of the General Headquarters, Group Captain Augustine Alfred Appiah, Officer Commanding, School of Trade Training, Airforce Base, Accra Major Rex Kudjoe Adzagba, 37 Military Hospital and Sub-Lieutenant (GN) Abu Zakariah. Also present were Brigadier General Fida Hussain Malik, UNOCI Sector East Commander, Hon Hajia Amina Amadu, District Chief Executive of Jaman North, Government Representatives in the Zanzan Region, and Military and Civilian Staff from UNOCI Headquarters. The day was set aside by the UN to show its appreciation to the Officers, Men and Women of GHANCON for their dedication to duty towards the overall success of the mission in Cote d’Ivoire. The Medals Day Presentation Ceremony was crowned with a Non-denominational Thanksgiving Religious Service on Sunday 31 July 2011 at the GHABATT 14 Headquarters, Bondoukou.

Earlier, on Thursday 28 July 2011, the leader of the Medals Day Delegation, Rear Admiral MM Tahiru inaugurated a Health and Fitness Centre constructed by personnel of GHANBATT 14 at the Battalion Headquarters in Bondokou. In his remarks, Admiral Tahiru was full of praise for the Battalion for attaching importance to fitness which is pivotal in every military endeavour. He urged troops to take their fitness seriously and take good care of the facility.

In another development, a Peacekeepers’ Memorial in honour of Ghanaian Peacekeepers who died in the quest for peace in La Cote d’Ivoire was unveiled by the Deputy Force Commander (DFC) of UNOCI/ Ghanaian Contingent Commander, Brig Gen BF Kusi at GHANBATT 14 Headquarters, Bondoukou on Saturday 30 July 2011.

In his remarks, Brig BF Kusi , saluted "fallen Men and Women" of UNOCI and in particular the GHANCON personnel for their ultimate sacrifices. Between 30th January 2005 and 8th June 2011, UNOCI has recorded fifty-six casualties out of which six deaths were from the Ghanaian Contingent.

Robison Omane-Agyei (Fg Offr) GHANCON PIO, UNOCI