.... In the Democratic Republic of Congo

To many of the troops, it was a moment that signified the commencement of a countdown towards being reunited with their families back home; for others it was a moment of joy and happiness for receiving their first ever United Nations Medal when the Force Commander (FC), Lt Gen Derrick Mbuyiselo Mgwebi and other dignitaries decorated them with the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal on October 14, 2016 at the Headquarters of the Ghanaian Battalion serving in Kinshasa.

Delivering the address on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General (SRSG), Maman Sambo Sidikou, the FC, acknowledged that the presence of a high powered Military Delegation from Ghana led by the Chief of Staff of the Ghana Armed Forces, Major General Sampson Kudjo Adati at the ceremony signified the commitment of Ghana towards global peace and security.

According to the FC the record of the Ghanaian troops had been impeccable over the tour of duty. He recounted the selfless services of the Ghanbatt 12 that had extended beyond military duties to humanitarian activities that had endeared Ghanbatt and MONUSCO to the good people of the DRC.

He reiterated that the provision of free Medical and Dental care to locals that visit Ghanbatt 12’s health facilities, various donations of food items, cash and transportation among other things to orphanages in the Ghanbatt Area of Responsibility, collaborative efforts and friendly relationship with the local Security Services and Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) in DRC will always be remembered.

The Force Commander, spoke well the professionalism and outstanding commitment shown by Ghanaian Battalions to the cause of peace in Congo for the past 60 years.

The FC cautioned troops to respect and uphold the United Nations Zero Tolerance Policy on Sexual Exploitation and Abuse. He did not mince words in stating that one act of misconduct or indiscipline by any peacekeeper was going to negate all the gains made by Ghanaian Battalions over the period.

Other recipients of the peace medals were MONUSCO Staff Officers as well as Military Observers drawn from various countries serving in the Mission.

The Medal Presentation Parade was followed by a showcase of various performances various depicting the rich cultural dances in Ghana to entertain the guest.
Other members of the delegation from Ghana were; Col Osei-Owusu Joseph Prince, Col Kumi Kenneth Kweku, Lt Col Solomon Awah and Cdr Faustina Boakyewaa Anokye.

Present at the ceremony were UN Local and International Staff, Ghanaians living in DRC, personnel of the various Security Services in DRC, Corporate Entities in DRC and many others.