MINUSMA Ghana Engineer Company (GHANENGCOY 10) was on Thursday 18 May 2023, decorated with the United Nations Peace Medals at the Sappers Camp in Timbuktu, Mali. Personnel of MINUSMA GHANEENGCOY 10, were recognized for their efforts in bringing peace to Mali.
The Officer Commanding the Company, Lt Col EK Poku in his welcome remarks extended his 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, troops remained determined and carried out their duties professionally with loyalty and discipline. Recounting the attacks on the Unit’s location in April 2022 and convoy attacks in December 2022, he 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 attainment of peace in Mali. Lt Col EK 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 level of support received from GAF.
The leader of the Medals Day Delegation from Ghana, Maj Gen Nicholas Peter Andoh who is the Chief of Staff (COS) at the General Headquarters of 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 the good performance for the rest of their 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 their continued collaboration with MINUSMA Peacekeepers.
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 further expressed appreciation to the Unit 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 witnessed by several prominent personalities including, Ghana’s Ambassador to Mali, HE Napoleon Abdulai, representatives of the Malian Armed Forces and Officials from the Mission.
