The Deputy Force Commander (DFC) of the United Nations Operations in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and also the Ghanaian Contingent Commander, Maj Gen Benjamin Freeman Kusi has stated that the Mission’s history owes a lot to Ghana’s commitment and therefore has full confidence in the Contingent in Cote d’Ivoire ahead of a presidential poll on 31 October 2010.

He described Ghanbatt’s commitment as remarkable, adding that; “I am saying this with pride and not because I am the Contingent Commander, but rather due to the fact that UNOCI has acknowledged Ghanbatt’s commitment”.

Maj Gen BF Kusi made these remarks when he had a durbar with all ranks of UNOCI Ghanbatt 13 during a two-day working visit to the Battalion Headquarters in Bondoukou earlier last week.

The DFC commended the Ghanbatt for excelling in its duties and responsibilities, especially in the protection of civilians, UN personnel and installations and support of the peace process which includes support to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), electoral personnel and the Integrated Command Center (ICC).

He also mentioned the immense role of Ghanbatt towards achieving peace and security in Cote d’Ivoire through the conduct of mobile short and long range patrols, air patrol among others.

Maj Gen BF Kusi also acknowledged the Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) and humanitarian activities that Ghanbatt 13 had been conducting in support of the local population. These include the provision of free medical care, recovery of civilian vehicles involved in serious road traffic accident, supply of portable water to the local populace and putting smiles on the face of the people of Broukro where Ghanbatt is rehabilitating a three classroom block, an office for the staff, the construction of a kitchen and also the planning of the school layout for the community.

The DFC entreated personnel of Ghanbatt 13 to maintain their professional attitude at all times , follow laid down instructions and be discipline as professional military personnel ahead of the presidential poll on 31 October 2010.

In a related development, The Sector East (SE) Commander, Brig Gen Fida Hussain Malik paid a two-day working visit to Ghanbatt Headquarters and Alpha Company position at Bondoukou and Bouna respectively .

Gen Fida was full of praise for Ghanaian Battalions and in particular the 13th

Ghanaian Battalion in Cote d’Ivoire in the proffessional manner they perform their duties. He was however quick to add that, Ghanbatt should not be complacent but to take training serious ahead of the 31 October polls.

The Commanding Officer of UNOCI Ghanbatt 13, Lt Col A Alobawone assured both the DFC and the SE Commander of Ghanbatt’s preparedness in the forth coming elections. The SE Commander took time off his busy schedule to inspect progress work on the Quick Impact Project (QIP) project for the people of Broukro.