The Force Commander of the United Nations Operations in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI), Maj Gen Fernand Marcel Amoussou has praised the Ghanaian troops serving with the United Nations in Cote d’Ivoire for their professionalism and dedication to duty. Maj Gen Amoussou added that he has monitored the activities of the Ghanaian troops since their inception in the mission area in December last year and is convinced beyond all reasonable doubt that they have lived up to expectation.

Maj Gen Amousou made these observations when he paid a days working visit to the troops in Bondoukou where the Ghana Battalion is based. He was met on arrival at the Battalion Headquarters by the Commanding Officer of the tenth Ghanaian Battalion, Lt Col Robert Affram. He inspected a Guard of Honour before receiving detailed briefing on the operational, administrative and logistic situation on the Battalion. The Commanding Officer, Lt Col Affram informed the Force Commander that his troops have effectively dominated its area of operational responsibility with robust long range mobile and foot patrols.

Lt Col Affram added that the Ghana Battalion continue to provide transport, security and other logistic support to the electoral commission to enable them successfully complete the identification exercise that has been recently embarked upon. This in his opinion will lead to free and fair elections which are expected to be organised later in the year. On humanitarian assistance, Lt Col Affram informed the Force Commander that the level I hospital being operated by the Battalion continue to treat the local populace free of charge. This he added has gone a long way to endear the Ghanaian troops to the Ivorians. He assured that this will continue until total peace is fully restored to Cote d’Ivoire. He also assured the Force Commander that his troops will remain professional and neutral during the electioneering campaign activities.

On his part, Maj Gen Amoussou traced the long relations he has had with Officers of the Ghana Armed Forces, mentioning in particular Gen Akafia and Gen Obeng whom he said were Officers of high standing and was therefore not surprised at the professional posture of the Ghanaian troops serving under him. He challenged them to work even harder as the days ahead are going to be more challenging, especially when full electioneering campaign begins.

The tenth Ghana Battalion was inserted into the mission area in December 2008 under the Command of Lt Col Robert Affram with Maj Parbey as his deputy. The troops are based in Bondoukou and Bouna. A few are also based in Abidjan where they provide escort duties to both senior military and civil personalities.

Also present was the Sector East Commander, Brig Gen Zaffar Iqbal.

Source: Lt (GN) Andy La-Anyane Press Information Officer UNOCI GHANBATT 10