United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA), a Ghana Engineer Company (GHANENGCOY 10) was on Thursday 18 May 2023, decorated with the UN’s Peace Medals at a short but colorful parade at the Sappers Camp in Timbuktu, Mali. 

Personnel of MINUSMA GHANEENGCOY 10, having completed the mandatory period in the Mission were decorated with the MINUSMA Peace Medals in recognition of their efforts for peace in Mali.

The Officer Commanding the Ghana Engineer Company, Lt Col E.K Poku, in his welcome remarks showed appreciation to all ranks of the Company for their dedication and hard work over the past 15 months of deployment in Timbuktu. 

He further added that despite some operational and logistical challenges faced by the Company, including “attacks, equipment damages and injury to personnel of the Company, troops remained determined and carried out their duties professionally with loyalty and discipline”.  

Recounting the attacks on the unit location in April 2022 and convoy attacks in December 2022, the Commanding Officer indicated that the Company remained poised to accomplish its mission. 

He also used the opportunity to reiterate the continued support of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for the achievement of peace in Mali. 

Lt Col E.K Poku further acknowledged the support that the Company continues to receive from the Military High Command in Ghana and indicated that the success of the Company was because of the high level of support received from the GAF.

The leader of the Medals Day delegation from the GAF, Major Gen Nicholas Peter Andoh, who is the Chief of Staff (COS) of the GAF, in his address, congratulated GHANENGCOY 10 for their professional performance over the period. 

The COS indicated that it was refreshing and important to note that “despite several attacks on the unit by hostile elements, the destruction of critical engineer equipment and injury to troops coupled with some operational and logistical challenges, GHANENGCOY 10 has prevailed and continues to work with high morale, discipline, and focus”. 

He urged all ranks to maintain good performance for the rest of the deployment.

Maj. Gen Nicholas Peter Andoh was also proud of the Company for maintaining and achieving their mission so far in providing mobility and construction support to MINUSMA Sector West. 

He further indicated that the Military High Command has monitored closely the numerous contributions by GHANENGCOY 10 to the achievement of the MINUSMA mandate and conveyed the appreciation of GAF to the Company for their contribution towards peace in Mali. 

The COS urged troops to continue to raise the flag of Ghana high as they continue to remain good Ambassadors of Ghana. 

He also expressed his appreciation to the host country Mali and representatives of the Malian Armed Forces (FAMa), who were present at the ceremony, for the continued collaboration with MINUSMA Peacekeepers, in which the GAF continued to participate to ensure the return of lasting peace in Mali and the entire Sub-Region.

The Sector West Commander, Brig Gen Joel Biwanlo, who was the Reviewing Officer for the Medal Parade, highlighted the important role played by GHANENGCOY 10 in the Sector. 

He was particularly impressed and acknowledged the numerous engineering tasks completed in Timbuktu, Ber, and Goundam under harsh weather and difficult terrain. 

The Sector Commander specifically indicated works done by the unit in the Timbuktu Market, the improvement of the prayer grounds at the Sankore Mosque in Timbuktu, and the completion of security enhancements for FAMa. He appreciated the Unit also for the ongoing security enhancement works in all the UN Camps in the Sector and provision of critical equipment support to the Mission.

The ceremony was also witnessed by personalities including Ghana’s Ambassador to Mali, HE Napoleon Abdulai, representatives of the Malian Armed Forces, and Officials from the Mission.