The Force Commander (FC) of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Maj Gen Glaudio Graziano, has praised Officers, Men and Women of Ghanbatt 67 for maintaining a tradition of dedication, professionalism, commitment and sacrifices towards the quest for peace in Lebanon. He pointed out that the battalion’s performance epitomizes the standard of all Ghanaian soldiers who are noted for their professionalism, precision and seriousness. The FC made these commendations when delivering his speech at the Medals Presentation Parade for personnel of Ghanbatt 67 on Thursday 28th February 2008, at Ghanbatt Headquarters, Al-Qawzah in Lebanon. On parade to mark the day were 13 officers and 134 men and women made up of four contingents, with one all female contingent. The parade was under the command of Lt Col Francis Ofori.

Maj Gen Graziano who was also the Reviewing Officer, commended Ghanbatt 67 for its modest humanitarian contributions to the local communities which had endeared the local populace to Ghanbatt. He lauded Ghanaian Soldiers in Lebanon for their Dental outreach programmes, Care for Children with Special Needs in Schools, Medical treatment to locals and Information Technology Computer (ITC) lessons, as well as Water Supply to Public Institutions which Ghanbatt undertook in its Area of Responsibility (AOR).

The FC stated that he had closely monitored Ghanbatt’s operational activities with admiration, adding that the battalion’s ability to conduct several operational exercises successfully especially, Exercise West Gate 2007, barely a month after arrival, is an attestation of the battalion’s level of professionalism. He however reminded the troops that the period ahead could be equally challenging, and urged them to work with the same zeal.

Commenting on the parade, the Force Commander said it was an outstanding display of drill and described their turnout as impeccable. He used the occasion to commend the Commanding Officer 67, Lt Col Francis Ofori for his leadership qualities that has led to the success of his Battalion.

He equally extended the same appreciation to the Contingent Commander, Col Geroge Biah for his guidance and support for the Contingent. Maj Gen Graziano also paid glowing tribute to all UNIFIL fallen heroes especially the late Sergeant Frimpong Siaw Samuel, who lost his life in a tragic incident in January this year at the Ghanbatt Headquaters.

Present to grace the august occasion was a high-powered Ghana Government Delegation led by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon William Ofori Boafo, the Chief of Staff, General Headquarters, Ghana Armed Forces, Brig Gen Bob Winful and Ghana’s Defence Attaché to Egypt, Commodore Munir Tahiru. The rest are Col Herbert Amonoo Abban of the 37 Military Hospital, Lt Col Emmanuel Tweneboa Darquah, Commanding Officer of Base Ordnance Depot (BOD) and Wg Cdr Raymond Mawuera Datsa of the General Headquarters (Training). Ghana’s Ambassador to Egypt who also has oversight responsibility for Lebanon, HE Akilaja Olufemi Akiwumi and Ghana’s Honorary Consul in Lebanon HE Michel Haddad was also present The Lebanese Government was represented by several Mayors and Muktars within Ghanbatt Area of Operation and Senior Officers of the Lebanese Armed Forces. Senior Military and Civilian Staff from UNIFIL Headquarters were also present. The day was set aside by the UN to show its appreciation to the Officers, Men and Women of the Ghana battalion for their dedication to duty towards the overall success of the mission of UNIFIL.

The various Traditional Troupes treated the Guests to typical Ghanaian cultural displays. The Battalion also mounted a photo exhibition which was a replica of the Ghanbatt’s activities.

In another development, a Peacekeepers’ Memorial in honour of Ghanaian Peacekeepers who died in the quest for peace in South Lebanon for having served a cause that is good, just and noble, was unveiled by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon William Ofori Boafo. It was constructed by Ghanbatt 67 to replace an old memorial which was at Position 6-43, Tibnin, and former Ghanbatt Headquarters. In totality, Ghana has lost thirty (30) Soldiers in UNIFIL, the last being the late Sgt Frimpong Siaw Samuel, who, until his death, served with Ghanbatt 67.