The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Ghana Battalion (GHANBATT) 11 in collaboration with the Ghana Formed Police Unit (GHANFPU) Rotation 8 have celebrated Ghana’s 67^th Independence Anniversary at the Battalion Headquarters in Bentiu.

The ceremony which was held on Wednesday 6 March 2024, under the theme “Our Democracy, Our Pride” brought together representative of the various Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), Enablers and Civilian Staff of Sector Unity Field Office as well as representatives of the various Humanitarian Agencies.

The Guest of Honour, Head of Field Office (HoFO) for UNMISS Sector Unity, Mr Kwame Dwamena- Aboagye on behalf of the Mission Leadership said it was with joy and pride to celebrate the 67^th independence anniversary of Ghana in Bentiu – South Sudan regardless of the distance from home.  

He noted that the success of Peacekeepers is anchored on the impact made on the population and lives saved in South Sudan. He extolled GHANBATT and Ghana FPU for the outstanding level of professionalism, enthusiasm and determination with which both Units have distinguished themselves in the protection of civilians and the impacts made on their lives through Civil Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, Engagement activities and patrols among other tasks.

He asserted that the remarkable contribution of GHANBATT towards the maintenance of peace in South Sudan was a testament to the values Ghana holds at heart, which are values for peace, justice, and the collective pursuit of a better world. The Guest of Honour further commended personnel of the GHANBATT for their sacrifices and commitments exhibited in peacekeeping theatres in promoting global peace. He charged all personnel to continue to remain patriotic and renew their commitments to the principle of peace and unity in the discharge of duties.

The Commanding Officer of GHANBATT 11, Lieutenant Colonel D Ampomah in his remarks, indicated that Ghana for over 60 years, has been a major contributor of troops in Peacekeeping operations around the world. He added that, Ghana has therefore been highly respected and lauded for the professionalism of its peacekeeping contingents in their contributions towards the attainments of various mandates. 

He attributed the current and past UNMISS GHANBATT’s successes in attainment of their mandate to the level of collaboration and support that the Unit enjoys from Troop Contributing Countries (TCCs), Enablers, the Sector Headquarters, the Field Office and the People of South Sudan. He commended all ranks for their hard work, dedication to duty and professionalism displayed in the discharge of their duties.

The 67^th Independence anniversary was climaxed with a photo exhibition and Ghanaian inspired cocktail reception fused with a cultural display by some ethnic groups within GHANBATT providing a spectacular feast for the eye.