Ghanaian Peacekeepers Teach and Heal

6 Dec 2012

Ghanaian Peacekeepers Teach and Heal

October was exceptional for the Ghanaian Battalion Sixteen (GHANBATT 16). In line with their slogan ‘Leadership by Example’ the Commanding Officer of GHANBATT 16 Lt.-Col. S.K. Gameli began the month by visiting selected institutions in Buchanan to affirm UNMIL’s support. Among them were the St. Peter Claver High School, St. John Elementary School, Grand Bassa Community College and the Buchanan City Mayor.

GHANBATT 16 carried out a medical outreach in Compound Number Three at the Liberia Agricultural Company (LAC). They attended to the health needs of both the young and the aged.

 

October was also a focus for the areas of Leadership, Gender, Rule of Law and Human Rights. A leadership training workshop drew student leaders from the Grand Bassa Community College (GBCC).

 

There was a jailbreak at the Buchanan Central Prison in October. The GHANBATT counselling team, led by the CIMIC Officer, went to the prison in an attempt to reduce tension.

 

24 October saw UN Day celebrated with a Flag Raising Ceremony at GHANBATT Headquarters in Buchanan. It was a colorful ceremony, a trade mark of GHANBATT. Just after, ‘GHANBATT ladies’ donated food items, dresses and toiletries to the Good Samaritan Orphanage.

 

Also to mark UN Day, Ghanaian peacekeepers joined the St. Peter Claver Church in Buchanan on the 28 October. The GHANBATT Band played music for the congregation and Captain Lokko, the CIMIC Officer, assured that UN is not leaving the country but is letting Liberians play a leading role in security and developmental issues.

 

“UNMIL is reducing the military presence in Buchanan but increasing the UN Police force to support the already strong Liberian National Police effort in matters of internal security” said Capt. Lokko. “We believe that you can turn Liberia into America in Africa. Yes, you can”.