Top UN official lauds Ghanaian contingent for ensuring peace in La Cote d’Ivoire
Mr Albert Geneard Korenders, Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary General, on Wednesday lauded the Ghana Peace Keeping contingent in La Cote d’Ivoire for its contribution to peace in that country.
He said the high standard of professionalism and selfless sacrifices of the Ghanaian contingent had contributed in ensuring peaceful legislative elections, and relative peace in La Cote d’Ivoire.
Mr Korenders said: “This was manifested in the manner the unit deployed and readjusted its force to very remote areas in its area of responsibility to ensure freedom of movement and incident-free election in the country”.
The commendation is contained in a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel E. Aggrey-Quashie, for the Public Relations Directorate of the Ghana Armed Forces, copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra.
The statement said in a speech read on his behalf by Brigadier General T Niang, Deputy Force Commander, during the contingent medal presentation parade in January, Mr Korenders expressed his appreciation for the way the unit conducted its duties since it became part of peace keeping.
Mr Korenders said he acknowledged the rich experience of Ghanaian soldiers in peace keeping across the world, dating back to the 1960s.
He praised the contingent‘s diverse contribution in the mission, which ranged from infantry role to providing level 2 medical support as well as an aviation and humanitarian outreach programmes to the local population.
Mr Korenders said: “the construction of a three-classroom block and a toilet for the Nao community was highly commendable, in view of its positive impact on the lives of the people.”
He noted that the Ghana Aviation Unit based in Bouake, in La Cote d’Ivoire, had contributed tremendously to ensuring the movement of both military and civil personnel across the length and breadth of the country.
Mr Korenders called on the unit to remain alert to enable them to execute its mandate “even as the mission navigated its difficult road to lasting peace, stability and development .”
“The people of La Cote d’Ivoire and posterity will no doubt remember you all for being part of this significant moment in the country,” he said.
Source: GNA