Accra, July 11, GNA - The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Liberia, Mr Alan Doss has decorated 132 peacekeepers of the Ghanaian contingent deployed in that country with United Nations Peacekeeping Medals for their outstanding contribution to the peace process in Liberia.

According to a statement released in Accra by the UN Information Centre, Mr Doss commended the peacekeepers for their professionalism and dedication during their service in Liberia.

He welcomed the Ghana Government's Delegation led by the Commandant of the Ghana Military and Training Schools, Major-General Amadu Abdulai saying its presence was a testimony to the importance Ghana attached to peace and security in Liberia and the West African Sub-Region as a whole.

Referring to the Secretary-General's visit to Liberia last week, he said, "the Secretary-General personally expressed his appreciation for the valuable contribution you and your fellow peacekeepers have made to the cause of peace in Liberia. He said your commitment and dedication merits the gratitude and recognition of the entire international community".

Mr Doss reminded the peacekeepers that UNMIL's work in Liberia was not yet finished as Liberia was still a fragile nation, and the West African Sub-Region had not yet escaped the shadow of conflict. "We cannot be complacent. We must continue providing security throughout the country and offer support to the new Government to realize its ambitious programme of national reform and renewal." There are currently 849 Ghanaian peacekeepers, including 41 females, serving in Liberia.