The Special Representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations in La Côte d’Ivoire, Madame Aichatou Mindaoudou Soulemane, has commended Ghanaian troops and Staff Officers serving in La Côte d’Ivoire for exhibiting professionalism, excellence, dedication, selfless sacrifices and above all courage in the course of their tour of duty. The flag of Ghana was raised high during a spectacular Medals Presentation Ceremony held at the Ghana Aviation Unit in Bouake on 28th November 2014.

According to Madame Aichatou Mindaoudou Soulemane, the Guest of Honour for the occasion and also the Reviewing Officer for the parade, the Contingent deserved the peace medals in recognition of their efforts and urged them to wear the medals with pride and continue with their good works.

The Contingent, made of Officers, Men and Women of the Ghana Aviation Unit 17 (GHAV 17), commanded by Wing Commander Joshua Mensah Larkai, the Ghana Medical Unit 11 (GHANMED 11), commanded by Colonel Raymond Kwablah Ewusi, Ghanaian Military Staff Officers serving at the Sector East Headquarters and the UNOCI Force Headquarters were decorated with deserving medals for their immense contribution and sacrifices towards the quest for peace in Cote d’Ivoire.

Madame Soulemane further stated that the Ghanaian Contingent was a reliable, strong and supportive member of the UNOCI family, which, in its various areas of responsibility, had endeavoured to work hard to win the hearts and minds of the population at large.

She was delighted that aside the mainstream mandated duties, the Contingent also reaches out to the people in their Area of Responsibility (AOR) through various humanitarian services such as the provision of regular medical assistance, outreach programmes and the provision of potable water to areas and communities that were in need of water. “Permit me at this juncture to commend your comportment, enhanced teamwork, esprit-de-corps and composure which mark a great sense of discipline. I wish to remind all Ghanaian personnel to continue to lift the flag of UN and Ghana high as they serve in various capacities in UNOCI. I am confident that you will exhibit even greater commitment and zeal after this Medal Parade to perfect your operational commitments to the UN.” She also praised troops for the excellent display of drill and their immaculate turn out. Present were the following personalities: Ghanaian Ambassador to La Côte d’Ivoire , His Excellency Lt Gen (Rtd) Peter Augustine Blay; UNOCI Force Commander, Major General Hafiz Masroor Ahmed; Sector East Commander, Brigadier General Tahir Hussain; the Ghanaian medals day delegation led by Commodore Isaac Osei-Kuffour (Defence Attaché in Côte d’Ivoire); Colonel Nii Obodai, member of the delegation; Representative of the Prefet of Bouake,Mr Yokozo Zozoro Firmin and the Chief of Nimbo Nanan Kouami Yao Alexis. The Ghanaian community living in Bouake also graced the occasion with their presence.

Capt Linda Oboh, Reporter Photographer: POII Azika Jacqueline