The Second Ghanaian Battalion (GHANBATT 2) serving with the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) has held its Consecration of the Colours as well as Induction Religious Parade for the Commanding Officer (CO) at the GHANBATT Headquarters at Athony Company Operating Base (COB), ABYEI.
The ceremony was held on Saturday 24 June 2023, under the theme “Duty Consciousness” to officially induct the CO of UNISFA GHANBATT 2 Lieutenant Colonel Edward Sarpong Appiah into office and to mark the successful insertion of the full compliment into Sector South of UNISFA Area of Operational Responsibility (AoR).
The induction religious parade was officiated by Rev Lieutenant (Lt) Solomon Aidoo and Imam Lt Yunus Abdallah. The Clergy in their respective sermons expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for successful deployment of GHANBATT into the AoR and encouraged all ranks to discharge their duties diligently and consciously to help Command achieve UNISFA’s mandate. Additionally, the Clergy urged all to be submissive, humble and conscious in the discharge of their duties so that GHANBATT would be victorious at the end of the tour of duty.
The Guest of Honour, was the Sector South Commander of Joint Border Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, Colonel John Ishmael Yao Boglo who doubles as the Ghanaian Contingent Commander.
The Guest of Honour in his remarks stated that, Ghana has participated under the auspices of the UN since its first deployment in ONUC in 1960 and UNISFA was not an exception. He said Ghanaian Soldiers have and would continue to fulfill their commitment to international peace and security in diverse ways to signify their nobility and call to serve humanity with dignity and professionalism.He advised all to engage and cooperate with all stakeholders to cover all the gaps in security architecture of UNISFA Areas of Operation in order to promote peace.
Also present at the ceremony were CO Nepal Force Headquarters Support Unit, CO Nigerian Base Defence Company, Deputy Commanding Officer Indian Battalion and representatives from Level 2 Hospital (GHANMED). Other dignitaries present were the UN Senior Civilian Staff from UNISFA headquarters, Military Observers/Staff Officers and United Nations Police, Staff of Troop Contributing Countries and Chiefs from the neighbouring communities.
