The NEWS (Monrovia)
Jimmey C. Fahngon
21 November 2005
Monrovia — Over 130 officers of GHABATT 3 of the Ghanaian Contingent serving in the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) were last Friday awarded United Nations Medals for their contribution toward the restoration of peace and stability to Liberia.
United Nations Secretary General Special Representative in Liberia, Ambassador Alan Doss who presented the medals on behalf the UN Secretary General, said Ghana has demonstrated its commitment to international peace and security by supporting the peacekeeping operations of the UN.
He recalled that Ghana began contributing peacekeepers to the United Nations in 1960 and since then, it has served in 11 UN missions throughout the world including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Lebanon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cote d' Ivoire, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Western Sahara and Burundi.
Amb. Doss told the Ghanaian military personnel that their deployment in Liberia is the latest in a long and proud record of their participation in UN peacekeeping.
In addition to their peacekeeping responsibilities, the UNSRSG said the Ghanaian officers have been providing humanitarian assistance to the Liberian people.
He told the officers that they have played a vital role in providing security during the Presidential and Legislative elections of October 11 and the November 8, 2005 runoff.
The UNSRSG noted that the commitment and dedication of the Ghanaian Contingent contributed to the success of these historic elections, which marked a significant step forward in Liberia's quest for peace.
He pointed out that Liberia is considered one of the most challenging peacekeeping environments in the world as such, ensuring peace and security in the capital, which is home to more than one million inhabitants, is critical to maintaining the peace in other parts of the country.
Amb. Doss further told the Ghanaian military personnel "we are present in Liberia to help the people recover from the trauma of conflict. Each and everyone of us owes a fundamental duty of care to the people of Liberia especially to the women and children, by steadfastly upholding the United Nations Code of Conduct."
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