Ghanaian soldiers in DR Congo honoured

Accra, Sept 27, GNA - Ghanaian troops serving with the United Nations Mission in the Congo (MONUC) have been commended for their hard work and the professional manner in which they have discharged their duties in that country.

A statement issued on Monday by the Ghana Armed Forces Public Relations Directorate said the troops were also decorated with medals in recognition of their contribution towards peace in the DRC at a military parade held at the Ghana battalion's headquarters in Kinshasha.

It said the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC, Mr Larry Swing, in a speech read for him, noted with satisfaction and pride the manner the Ghanaian battalion had conducted regular patrols in Kinshasha and on the Congo River, as well as its conduct of escort and static guard duties at key installations in the capital.

Mr Swing said the professional approach adopted by the Ghanaian troops towards their duties had in no small measure propelled the peace process forward.

He particularly lauded the battalion's efforts in guarding electoral materials from the Independent Electoral Commission's warehouse and escorting them to the airport for dispatch to other parts of the country, according to the statement.

"He acknowledged the social interaction, medical support and the various forms of humanitarian assistance the Ghanaians continue to provide to the local community and added that these interactions have helped to foster better understanding and cordial relations between the local population and MONUC."

The statement said Mr Swing however cautioned that MONUC still had a long way to go to achieve its mission of bringing total peace to the DRC through holding of free and fair elections and urged the troops to remain focused on the task ahead.

It said Mr. Swing also commended the Ghanaian Contingent Commander, Brig. Gen. J.S. Nkrumah and the Commanding Officer, Lt. Col. George Danso, for their maturity and level-headedness and added that their leadership skill had enabled the troops to distinguish themselves as excellent peacekeepers, who could be relied upon to achieve results even under trying moments.

Maj. Gen. George Aryiku, Commandant of the Ghana Armed Forces Command and Staff College, led a delegation to represent the Ministry of Defence at the medal presentation parade.