Ghanaian Peacekeeper Makes Ghana Proud

The Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Maj Gen Alain Pellegrini, has expressed his deep appreciation for the professionalism exhibited by Capt Aaron Osei of the Ghana Battalion serving in Southern Lebanon, for his show of bravery under extreme conditions of physical and mental strain during the 34-day war (July-August 2006) between Hezbollah and Israel.

A citation accompanying the Force Commander’s commendation, read by the Commanding Officer of UNIFIL Ghanbatt 65, Lt Col EW Kotia, mentioned Capt Aaron Osei’s display of outstanding professionalism and sense of commitment in his capacity as Officer Commanding Ghanbatt Battalion Mobile Reserve during the 34-day war. It said the officer displayed exemplary sincerity and rare qualities of head and heart, remaining calm and composed under conditions of extreme physical and mental strain and carried out his assigned tasks to the Force Commander’s satisfaction. He was an example worth emulating by his peers and subordinates, the citation said. The citation continued that it was due to the performance of such officers that greatly facilitated UNIFIL in implementing its mission during those extremely difficult 34 days.

The Commanding officer of UNIFIL Ghanbatt 65, Lt Col EW Kotia after reading the citation and presenting the certificate of commendation to Capt Aaron Osei on behalf of the Force Commander, expressed his sincere appreciation and happiness for the recognition given to the officer and added that it goes to confirm the difficult role Ghana played during the 34-day war. Lt Col Kotia added that this recognition must motivate all officers and men of his Battalion to continue to work very hard to support UNIFIL’s efforts in trying to bring lasting peace to Southern Lebanon. He commended Capt Aaron Osei and his entire Battalion Mobile Reserve for bringing such an honour to the whole of Ghana and the Ghana Armed Forces. Lt Col Kotia advised all Ghanaian troops to remain professional and continue to raise the Flag of Ghana very high.

During the 34-day war between Israel and Hezbollah, Capt Aaron Osei on numerous occasions exhibited exceptional bravery and valour. On 14 July 06, the village of Marwahin came under heavy Israeli bombardment, resulting in the death of Nineteen children and two adults who were fleeing the village in a mini bus. Capt Aaron Osei led ten of his men to stay in the village overnight to be close to the populace as a human shield and as a reassurance measure, amidst heavy and close Israeli artillery and air strikes, until the village was evacuated. Again on 25 July 06, Capt Aaron Osei led a crew of six men through very heavy shelling and air strike to a UN Position (3 – 1) to rescue and evacuate two Lebanese Army Officers and five soldiers to the Force Headquarters.

Capt Aaron Osei also led nine men on Thursday 3 August 2006 with three SISU Armoured Personnel Carriers to undertake a very daring operation to re-supply a UN position which was well cut-off behind Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) lines, and evacuated over Forty-two displaced Lebanese.

After the war, he was the first UN personnel to patrol previously unexplored and unseen; out-of-bounds Hezbollah strongholds within inaccessible valleys and presented pictorial evidence as part of his patrol reports. Capt Osei in clear disregard for his life and through the demonstration of courage, resilience, will and very good sense of thought and decision making effectively commanded and controlled his men in the face of absolute danger and life threatening situations and saved hundreds of Lebanese and expatriates lives.