General News of Friday, 30 March 2007

Source: GNA

2BN Contingent of "Ghanbatt five" welcomed

Apremdo (W/R) March 30,-GNA- An impressive ceremony was held at the Myhoung barracks at Apremdo on Wednesday to welcome a contingent of about 175 Officers and men of the Second Infantry Brigade (2BN) who arrived home after six months peace keeping operation in Liberia. They formed the nucleus of "Ghanbatt five" of the 850 soldiers of the Ghana Armed Forces who were in that country to ensure peace and development under the United Nation's Mission in Liberia (UNIMIL). It was under the command of Lieutenant Colonel Francis Vib-Sanziri, Commanding Officer of the 2BN.

The welcoming party, led by Major Albert Dawohoso, second in command of the 2BN met the soldiers at Nchaban amid cheers, hugging and dancing to brass-band music.

Onlookers also cheered wildly while the contingent drove through Takoradi and adjoining communities and finally at Apremdo where a large crowd made up of friend, relations and loved ones were waiting to welcome them.

Lt. Col. Vib-Sanziri inspected a quarter guard at the main entrance to the barracks after which he and the other soldiers were led to the durbar grounds.

Reverend Thomas Kwasi Addo, Unit Chaplain in-charge of Methodist Church and Warrant Officer Class one Ahmed Abdulai, Unit Imam said Christian and Moslem prayers respectively for the safe arrival of their comrades. Lt. Col. Vib-Sanziri thanked God for a successful mission and bringing them back safely to unite once again with families and friends. Major Dawohoso announced an elaborate programme, including the commissioning of a monument at the barracks on Friday and a thanksgiving service on Sunday as part of the welcoming ceremony.