The Ghanaian contingent serving with the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL), Ghana Battalion 20 have been awarded medals for their selfless dedication to duty at a colorful Medals Presentation ceremony held at the Ghana Battalion Headquarters in Gbarnga, Liberia.

The battalion commanded by Lt Col Isaac Nicholas Paintsil comprise 698 personnel out of which 51 females were awarded a United Nations Medal for demonstrating a high degree of professionalism, courage, commitment to Liberia, peacekeeping and for standing firm in the execution of the UN mandate even in the face of the deadly Ebola Viral Disease which had claimed thousands of lives.

The special representative of the Secretary General, HE MS Karin Landgren lauded the battalion for their actions which contributed immeasurably to stemming the tide of the deadly Ebola Viral Disease in Liberia.

 She added that “in this time of crisis you made it possible for UN humanitarian agencies to provide critical medical services and relief supplies to the most vulnerable populations.  You did that by conducting numerous patrols on the ground and in the air to promote a safe environment.  The escort services and transportation assistance you provide to the US military made it possible for them to build the Ebola Treatment Unit at Zorzor on time”.

In attendance was a high powered delegation from the UNMIL Headquarters in Liberia led by the special representative of the United Nations Secretary General (SRSG), Her Excellency Madam Karin Landgren, Deputy Force Commander, Brig Gen Sabir Ali, Deputy Chief of Staff Armed Forces of Liberia, Col EW Dennis, Ghana’s Ambassador to Liberia, His Excellency Kodjo Asimeng Wadee, the Ghanaian Contingent Commander and Chief of Staff Forces, Brig Gen SB Alloh.

The occasion was also well attended by Ghanaian Military Observers, Staff Officers and Ghanaians living in Liberia and a host of International and Liberian Guests.