The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, on Friday, 28 November 2014, in Bouaké, presided over a medal parade ceremony for the Medical and Aviation Units of the Ghanaian Battalion of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) deployed in Sector East.





The ceremony was attended by the Ghanaian Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Peter Augustine Blay and a delegation led by the Defecnce Attaché of the Ghana Army which came specially for the event. Several civilian and military officials from Côte d'Ivoire as well as traditional and religious leaders attended the ceremony.

In her speech to the gathering, Mrse Mindaoudou praised the professionalism and devotion to duty of the Ghanaian contingents, which she said had contributed to the implementation of UNOCI's mandate.



She recalled that the Ghana Armed Forces has been particiopating in UN peacekeeping mission since 1960. She expressed her deep satisfaction with the role and actions of the Ghana Contingent serving with UNOCI.

The head of UNOCI also highlighted the fact that the Ghana Medical Unit (GHANMED) plays a key role in ensuring that peacekeepers in Sector East stay in good health by looking after them in their Level II hospital for the past ten years.



Mrs Mindaoudou said that the officers, junior officers and men in GHANBATT's Aviation Unit have often faced dangerous situations which could have cost them their lives. They had also carried out reconnaissance flights and logistical operations as well as medical evacuations.

In addition, the Special Representative also stressed the good relations which exists between the Ghanaian peacekeepers and local people who have also benefitted from humanitarian actions ane mediacl assistance programme.

« All of these actions would not have been possible without the support of your country and that of its military leaders for which I thank you, » said Mrs Mindaoudou, adding that the peacekeepers should wear their medal with pride.





She also thanked the Ivorian civilian and military authorities for attending the ceremony and for their smooth collaboration with UNOCI's peacekeepers and civilian personnel based in Bouaké. She praised Ivorians for the daily support they provided to UNOCI and the United Nations.





The Commander of GHANMED, Colonel Raymond Kwablah Ewusi outlined his country's contribution to peace in Côte d'Ivoire which he said started in 2003 with the deployment of a battalion infantry in Bondoukou. GHANMED arrived in 2004 while Ghana Aviation came in 2006.