Lt Col Sebastian Abraham Arhin handing over the Ghana flag to Brigadier General Winfred Dzandu-Hedidor, to signify their mission accomplishment. Inset: The returning soldiers on parade
The Ghana Armed Forces has ended its operations with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO).
The Ghanaian Battalion GHANBATT 15, after serving for 19 months, returned home last Thursday, thus becoming the longest serving unit in that country.
It was all joy as senior military personnel and others celebrated the accomplishment in a parade to welcome back home officers and men of 5 BN.
MONUSCO GHANBATT 15, comprising nine officers and 64 men and women, was under the command of Lt Col Sebastian Abraham Arhin.
Brigadier General Winfred Dzandu-Hedidor, Commander, Army Training Command (ATRAC) in an address said Ghanaians involvement in the quest for peace in Congo historically, Zaire, dates as far back as 1960, when Ghana was barely three years old after independence.
He said the Ghana Armed Forces cannot forget the sacrifices made by Ghanaian soldiers for peace in Congo and the African region.
“We recall with sorrow the killing by the Congolese army 43 Ghanaian peacekeepers in the Kasai Province (some of whom died attempting to swim across the river Congo) on April 28 1961, thus known as the ‘port franqui tragedy.’”
That tragedy occurred during the United Nations Operation In the Congo. Ghanaian soldiers continue to sing in memory of their fallen comrades a song with the lyrics “Congo River Congo, if you no sabi swim, water go carry you.”
“We appreciate the extensive operations your battalion had to undertake in an extended area of responsibility and under ardous condition,” he said.
He also paid tribute to WOI Fedelis Yao Atidigah, WO1 Ofori Peter, WO1 Danso Lexander, Staff Sgt Megbetor Emmanuel, Cpl Darko Nfum Stephen and L/ Cpl Sakye Adjei Emmanuel, soldiers who died while serving in the Congo.
He urged personnel to bring to bear the rich experience that they have acquired during the duty tour and to demonstrate a high sense of professionalism, loyalty and discipline at all times in the performance of their duties.
“Keep clear from extremists and resist being used by unpatriotic elements of the society for their parochial interest as they are deployed during the election period.”
(lindatenyah@gmail.com)
By Linda Tenyah-Ayettey