Lt Col Prince Tandoh has taken over as the Commanding Officer (CO) of the Ghanaian Battalion (GHANBATT 10) of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) from Lt Col Michael Mfum, the CO GHANBATT 9. The ceremony was held on Monday 19 September 2022 at GHANBATT Headquarters in Bentiu, South Sudan.
The brief but very important ceremony was characterized by the signing of handing/taking over certificates and change of baton between both Commanding Officers, followed by the passing of the Pascal Candle and the handing over of the United Nations (UN) Flag. These events signified the transfer of command and control of GHANBATT Area of Responsibility (AOR) from GHANBATT 9 to GHANBATT 10.
The Sector Commander, Brig Gen Mike Cooper Mujuni, who presided over the ceremony, commended GHANBATT 9 for their professional posture during their tour of duty. He welcomed Lt Col Tandoh and urged GHANBATT 10 to continue the good works done by their predecessors.
The CO GHANBATT 10, Lt Col Prince Tandoh in his remarks indicated that he was privileged and honoured to have taken over the mantle of leadership as the Commanding Officer. He expressed his gratitude to God for his faithfulness. He also rendered his appreciation to the Ghana Armed Forces High Command for the confidence reposed in him, while reaffirming his allegiance to the Republic of Ghana. He intimated that the task ahead would be daunting, but with determination, hard work, discipline, professionalism and loyalty the lion-hearted fraternity would succeed.
Lt Col Tandoh further expressed his gratitude to his predecessor for his exemplary leadership and thanked his key appointment holders for their cooperation and commitment during the handing and taking over process. He presented plaques to the CO GHANBATT 9 and some of his key appointment holders as a token of his appreciation.
Additionally, he assured the entire leadership of UNMISS Sector Unity that GHANBATT 10 would work assiduously towards the attainment of GHANBATT’s mission as part of the UNMISS Mandate. He humbly appealed to the Sector Headquarters and adjacent Units for their support and assistance.
In conclusion, he urged all GHANBATT 10 personnel to remain resolute and maintain high standards as professional officers and soldiers to keep the flag of Ghana high.
To climax the event, GHANBATT 9’s Flag was lowered to signify the end of their tour of duty, while GHANBATT 10’s Flag was hoisted to signify the dawn of a new era of Command. This was followed by the unveiling of the Unit logo.
GHANBATT 10 is made up of personnel from various units of the Ghana Armed Forces, with the 5 Infantry Battalion forming its nucleus. GHANBATT is expected to serve with UNMISS for a duration of one year, operating in accordance with UNMISS Mandate of protection of civilians, especially women and children.
With the motto, ‘WE ARE DEPENDABLE’, GHANBATT 10 remains ever steady and dependable in its service to UNMISS and the good people of South Sudan.
