Ghanaian soldiers honoured in DR Congo

Ghanaian troops serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo have been decorated with their first ever United Nations (UN) medal for their efforts in keeping peace in the Easter African country.

The soldiers were honored at a ceremony on Friday, October 14 to at the Headquarters of the Ghanaian Battalion in Kinshasa.

Delivering an address on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Maman Sambo Sidikou, the Force Commander (FC) Lt Gen Derrick Mbuyiselo Mgwebi acknowledged that the presence of the high-powered Military delegation from Ghana led by the Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Brigadier General Sampson Kudjo Adati at the ceremony signified the commitment of Ghana towards global peace and security.

According to him, the Ghanaian troops had been impeccable in the discharge of their duty.

He recounted the selfless services of the Ghanbatt 12 that had extended beyond military duties to humanitarian activities that had endeared Ghanbatt and MONUSCO to the good people of the DRC.

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He reiterated that the provision of free Medical and Dental care to locals that visit Ghanbatt 12’s health facilities, various donations of food items, cash and transportation among other things to orphanages in the Ghanbatt Area of Responsibility, collaborative efforts and friendly relationship with the local Security Services and Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) in DRC will always be remembered.

FC Mgwebi extolled the professionalism and outstanding commitment shown by Ghanaian Battalions to the cause of peace in Congo for the past 60 years.

He however cautioned troops to respect and uphold the United Nations’ Zero Tolerance Policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, reminding the troops that any incident of misconduct or indiscipline by any peacekeeper was going to negate all the gains made by Ghanaian Battalions over the period.

Other recipients of the peace medals were MONUSCO Staff Officers as well as Military Observers drawn from various countries serving in the Mission.

The medal presentation parade was followed by a showcase of various performances various depicting the rich cultural dances in Ghana to entertain the guest.

Other members of the delegation from Ghana were; Col. Osei-Owusu Joseph Prince, Col. Kumi Kenneth Kweku, Lt. Col. Solomon Awah and Cdr. Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye.

Present at the ceremony were UN Local and International Staff, Ghanaians living in DRC, personnel of the various Security Services in DRC, Corporate Entities in DRC and many others.

 

By: citifmonline.com/Ghana