The ECOWAS Stabilisation Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) has held a Joint Medal Presentation Ceremony to decorate all troop contributing contingents and Staff Officers serving with the mission.
A parade was held to mark the event at the Senegalese Contingent’s camp, Bissau on 23 June 2023. The purpose of the ceremony was to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of ESSMGB peacekeepers in bringing peace and stability to the people of Guinea-Bissau.
In his welcome address, the Force Commander of ESSMGB, Brig Gen AM Grema stated that medal presentation ceremony is a military custom geared towards recognising troops’ participation in military/security and peace support operations/missions.
He further stated that the medal presentation is time-bound, thus, personnel must serve consecutively for at least 180 days to qualify. However, it was worthy to mention that ESSMGB troops have spent over 365 days in Guinea-Bissau. Concluding his remarks, he commended the entire ESSMGB force for their discipline, commitment and hard work.The Special Guest of Honour and Special Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission (SRPC) – Professor (Prof) Hamidou Boly delivering his speech expressed his gratitude to all dignitaries for coming to celebrate the occasion with the force.
Furthermore, he conveyed his appreciation and congratulated all Officers and Soldiers who are serving on the mission, for their exemplified discipline and professionalism. He also said that as a proud SRPC, he will certainly miss working with the current contingents and Staff Officers after their tour of duty. Finally, he urged all troops to continue the good work.
Present at the ceremony was a Ghana Army delegation led by Col J Danso-Ankrah, Chief G3-Peace Support Operations at the Army HQ.
Other dignitaries present were representatives of the government of Guinea-Bissau, members of the diplomatic corps in Bissau and the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Anthony Ohemeng-Boamah. Defence and Security Chiefs of Guinea-Bissau and ECOWAS countries Defence Attachés in Bissau also graced the occasion.
A parade was held to mark the event at the Senegalese Contingent’s camp, Bissau on 23 June 2023. The purpose of the ceremony was to recognise the contributions and sacrifices of ESSMGB peacekeepers in bringing peace and stability to the people of Guinea-Bissau.
