General News of Tuesday, 30 March 2004

Source: GNA

UNAMSIL troops return home

Accra, March 30, GNA - The fourth and final batch of UNAMSIL GHANBATT 8 made up of 171 men and 25 officers under the command of Lieutenant Colonel George Ajisono Biah arrived by air in Accra on Tuesday after successfully completing a six-month peacekeeping mission in Sierra Leone.

Brigadier-General George Ayiku, Commanding Officer of the Northern Command, who welcomed the troops, commended them for their outstanding performance. He said they had been worthy ambassadors of Ghana and urged them to endeavour to make the lessons learnt during the Mission impact positively on Ghana.

Brigadier-General Ayiku reminded the soldiers that it was their duty to maintain and nurture Ghana's young democracy to ensure peace and progress. A minute silence was held for Sergeant Aboagye Akorful Sampson, who died during the Mission. Colonel Austin Abongayella, Director of Army Peacekeeping Operations, was also at the airport to meet the troops.