In strengthening its partnership with the Gambian Defence and Security Forces (GDSF), Ghana Company (GHANCOY) 8 has conducted an Inter-Security Services Sports Competition at Barra and Essau on Wednesday18 September 2024.

Football matches were played at the Essau Senior Secondary School, where The Gambia Armed Forces emerged victorious in the knockout football competition. Additional events in volleyball, mini-marathon, table tennis, snooker, and push-ups were held at the GHANCOY Barra Camp.

At the end of the keenly contested competition, GHANCOY 8 emerged as the overall champions with 36 points, while the first runner-up, The Gambia Armed Forces (GAF), garnered 19 points. The Gambia Immigration Service (GIS) secured third place with 14 points, and The Gambia Ports Authority (GPA) took fourth place with 9 points. The Gambia Fire Service and The Gambia Police Force completed the standings with 3 and 6 points, respectively.

The Ghanaian Contingent Commander, Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Abraham Puoriyelle Dery, stated that GHANCOY's participation in numerous security-related activities alongside sister security agencies in the region inspired the contingent to engage in sporting activities to strengthen the existing bond with the local forces. He also emphasised that cooperation between ECOMIG and the Gambian Defence and Security Forces (GDSF) is crucial to achieving ECOMIG’s overall mission and mandate.

The Deputy Governor of the North Bank Region, Hon Dembo Samateh, noted that the sporting event organised by ECOMIG Troops demonstrated unity and strong cooperation among the region’s security agencies. He added that Ghanaian troops have consistently engaged in such activities with the people of the North Bank Region.

The representative of the Commander of the Gambia Army’s 2nd Infantry Battalion, Major Demba Baldeh, said the day-long event would further strengthen the relationship between ECOMIG Troops and the other participating entities.