Ghanaian peacekeepers in Lebanon hold memorial service for Kofi Annan

By Kwamina Tandoh, GNA

Accra, Sept. 13, GNA – Ghana’s peacekeeping
troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have
held a memorial service in honour of Kofi Annan, a Former United Nations
Secretary-General.

The Battalion held the memorial service on
Thursday at the Battalion Headquarters located in Al-Qawzah, Lebanon to
coincide with the burial service of the late Ghanaian Statesman.

In a tribute written by the Battalion, the
peacekeepers acknowledged the immense contribution of the late diplomat who
rose through the ranks by dint of hard work and perseverance to become the
Seventh UN Secretary-General.

Mr Annan was especially known for a comprehensive
policy on the UN’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against Sexual Exploitation and
Abuse, which led to the formulation of landmark policies to address the issue
of sexual misconduct of UN personnel.

Consequently, Conduct and Discipline Units
have been established in all UN Peace Support Operation theatres to curb the
canker of sexual exploitation and abuse.

Kofi Annan was also seen as a global icon who
put Ghana on the world map and will be remembered for his tenacity for change
and compassion to the vulnerable groups worldwide.

In a short exhortation titled; “How would you
want to be remembered,” the Battalion Chaplain, Major Cynthia Kumitse,
entreated all to emulate the virtues exhibited by the late Secretary-General
such as service with passion, humility and professionalism.

She said all should work hard and be
remembered for positively affecting the lives of others regardless of the
position they may find themselves.

The last post was then sounded after which a
moment of silence and reveille was observed for the departed former UN
Secretary-General Kofi Annan.

All flags in UNIFIL, which is the oldest
peacekeeping mission in the world, are flying at half-mast in honour of Kofi
Annan.

GNA

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