LT COL Seth Odei Leads The Ghanaian Troops
Ghana, as member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has deployed a combat team to The Gambia.
The ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) was deployed to create a secure environment in that country to ensure that the will of the people, as expressed in the December 1 presidential election, was respected.
In all, three countries have provided troops, namely, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal, a statement signed by Colonel E Aggrey-Quashie, Director, Public Relations , the Ghana Armed Forces, has stated.
The Ghanaian combat team deployed mainly at Barra – some few kilometers away from the capital, Banjul – is made up of 210 all ranks under the leadership of the Contingent Commander, Colonel KD Hagan, whilst the Combat Team Commander is Lt Colonel Seth Gyekye Odei.
Tactical equipment necessary for the smooth operations of the Ghanaian troops have also been provided.
Additionally, Ghana has sent senior military officers to the ECOMIG headquarters to assist in the smooth conduct of operations.
The first phase of the operations, which was to ensure a safe return of recently sworn-in President Adama Barrow from Dakar to Banjul, has been successfully executed.
The next phase, which is to create an enabling environment for a smooth administration by the new government, is currently ongoing.
This includes provision of escorts to VVIPs, conducting of patrols, searching for hidden arms and ammunitions and protection of the president.
Barra is considered a key strategic crossing area where The Barra Ferry Point has two ferries currently operating between Barra and Banjul.
The security situation at the Barra Ferry Point is tense due to the high number of passengers and vehicles ready to cross over to Banjul, according to the military.
The Ghanaian contingent has some personnel deployed at the point to assist the local police and port authority to ensure safe traffic flow and to maintain law and order.
Additionally, they conduct patrols to various key points and vulnerable locations in Barra to ensure security, among other duties.
The Staff Officers at the ECOMIG Headquarters, Colonel DK Hagan and Colonel William Agyapong, have reportedly played significant roles in the location, with the verification and smooth transfer of arms and ammunition from the house of former President Yahya Jammeh.