On February 16, 2023, at Anthony, the Sector South Headquarters of UNISFA, Major-General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, the Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander, extolled the merits of the Ghanaian Contingents to UNISFA. In recognition of their meritorious service and significant contributions to the peace process in the Abyei Administrative Area, 633 soldiers and 80 officers from the ground-breaking Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) and Ghana Level II Plus Medical Unit (GHANMED) serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) received the prestigious United Nations Peacekeeping Medals at a vibrant medal parade. Headquarter Staff Officers and a few Military Observers received awards as well.
Speaking to the contingents, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, the acting head of mission and force commander, praised the peacekeepers for their high level of professionalism and commitment to their work. General Sawyerr stated, “Starting with the first attack on a GHANBATT Recce Team to Agok on 6 March 2022, the Unit has come under unprecedented direct attacks of armed elements on 10 different occasions in the line of duty, making you the first that bear the scar of peace on your equipment. Through all these incidents, GHANBATT 1 courageously stood their ground and defended UNISFA personnel, and installations, and provided protection to civilians under impending threat.
Additionally, General Sawyerr noted with satisfaction that the battalion repeatedly entered hostile communities to save lives and property while providing first aid, food, and shelter to internally displaced people at great personal risk. He emphasized during the Medal Parade that the battalion is deserving of the highest praise for its extraordinary display of bravery and professionalism. I want to convey my gratitude for the efficient way you handled business in Sector South, the part of the Box that is currently the most sensitive.
The acting head of mission expressed satisfaction that, in addition to its daily operational commitments, GHANBATT has shown a strong interest in education in Sector South, making donations to the majority of the schools under its area of responsibility, conducting periodic medical outreaches, and opening its health post at each of its locations to provide assistance to the locals, all of which have contributed to the saving of numerous lives. Given that animal husbandry being their primary source of income, the veterinary services offered to the villagers in this Mission were a novelty that they much enjoyed.
General Sawyerr praised the Col. Thomas Gbiseh and his medical staff at Ghana Level 2 Plus Hospital, which is the only facility in Abyei Box that offers the community’s essential radiological and dental services. He also congratulated Lt. Col. Eric Aboagye Tieku, Sector South Commander, for leading his troops in an admirable manner to accomplish the remarkable feat. Tieku led a force that was well-trained and highly motivated to weather every storm that faced the Unit despite the limited resources at his disposal.
Major General Charles Kodjo Abede Asomanning Awity praised UNISFA leadership for the assistance provided to the Ghanaian Battalion and the Medical Unit, which enabled them to perform admirably well despite arriving at the mission area with little resources. He asked for the same assistance for the advancing troops that would shortly succeed them. The Ghanaian government has promised to support UNISFA and international peacekeeping, according to General Asomanning Awity.
