UNMIL Boss Urges Ganaian Peacekeeping Troops to Remain Vigilant

UNMIL Press Release, 20 January 2007

UN Envoy urges Ghanaian peacekeepers to remain vigilant in maintaining peace in Liberia
Careysburg, Liberia “ The Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Mr. Alan Doss, has challenged the men and women of the Ghanaian military contingent of UNMIL to remain vigilant and work hard for the success of Liberia's recovery efforts. Mr. Doss was speaking during a ceremony on Friday, 19 January, when he decorated 217 Ghanaian soldiers with UN peacekeeping medals for their contribution to peace in Liberia.
SRSG Doss decorating and congratulating Ghanaian peacekeepers at their medal ceremony
Describing the Ghanaian contingent as a vital part of a continuing responsibility to ensure stability, Mr. Doss added:the round-the-clock patrols you conduct, your response to security incidents and your escort and check-point duties have all contributed towards maintaining a stable and peaceful environment in Liberia.
Providing medical assistance to locals is essential in humanitarian interventions
The UN Envoy again used the occasion to urge all peacekeepers to strictly abide by the Secretary-General's policy of zero tolerance for sexual abuse and exploitation. “We must always be on our best behaviour and maintain the respect and trust of the Liberian people. Mr. Doss commended Brigadier-General John Forkuo, Military Chief of Staff and Ghana's Contingent Commander, for his excellent leadership. But most importantly, I pay tribute to each and every one of you here today for your spirit, commitment and determination, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General added.
In his address at the ceremony, Brigadier-General Forkuo said, the battalion has worked very hard to enable UNMIL to sustain the peace Liberians are currently enjoying. The battalion’s dedication to duty, the sense of urgency and quick response to hostile situations, has contributed to peace and stability in its areas of responsibility.
The deployment of 850 members of the Ghanaian contingent in Liberia is the latest in a long and distinguished record of Ghanaian participation in United Nations peacekeeping. In 2003, Ghanaian peacekeepers were among the first to arrive in Liberia to prepare the way for the United Nations Mission in Liberia. Ghanaian peacekeepers are deployed at Liberia's main seaport (Freeport of Monrovia), and other key economic and military installations in and outside Monrovia. The battalion is also involved in providing social assistance in its areas of operations, including medical services.
The medal ceremony was attended by Mr. William Ofori Boafo, Ghana's Deputy Minister for Defense, Commodore Steve Tim Appiah, Ghanaian Military Secretary, H.E. Maj.-Gen. F. Adu-Amanfoh, Ghanaian Ambassador accredited to Liberia, the UNMIL Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Isaac Chikadibia Obiakor, Officer-in-Charge of Administration, Ms. Stephani Scheer, and other senior military and civilian officials.