By Haddy Touray
The Gambian Minister of Defence, Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, on Friday attended the Medal Day Decorations and the 69th Independence Anniversary Parade of Ghana ECOMIG Contingent 9 (GHANCOY 9), recognising the troops’ meritorious service and contribution to peace and stability in The Gambia.
The ceremony, held at the contingent’s headquarters in Barra, formed part of activities marking Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary while honouring Ghanaian peacekeepers serving under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).
Organised under the auspices of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the colourful event brought together senior government officials, contingent commanders of ECOMIG and the mission’s Force Commander.
Also in attendance were representatives of the Chief of Defence Staff of the Gambia Armed Forces and the Inspector General of the The Gambia Police Force, members of the diplomatic corps and other key security stakeholders.
The event was presided over by the ECOWAS Special Representative and Head of Mission in The Gambia, Miatta Lilly French.
The gathering provided an opportunity to recognise the professionalism, discipline and commitment demonstrated by the Ghanaian contingent in executing the mission’s mandate.
The Medal Day parade symbolised appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of the troops in supporting The Gambia’s security sector reforms and consolidating the peace and democratic gains achieved since the deployment of ECOMIG by ECOWAS.
Addressing the parade, Mr Joof commended the Ghanaian troops for their exemplary service and unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the country.
He said the presence and professionalism of ECOMIG forces continue to play a vital role in strengthening national security and promoting regional cooperation across West Africa.
The minister added that the collaboration between The Gambia and ECOWAS peacekeeping forces reflects a shared commitment to collective security, democratic governance and sustainable peace in the sub-region.
The decoration of Ghana Contingent 9 forms part of ECOMIG’s tradition of recognising the outstanding service and dedication of troops deployed under its peace support operations in The Gambia.