The ECOWAS Stabilization Support Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ESSMGB) has held a Joint Medal Presentation Ceremony to decorate the Ghanaian, Nigerian and Senegalese contingents as well as Staff Officers serving with the mission.
A parade was held to mark the event at the Nigerian Contingent Camp, Bissau on 8 May 2025. The purpose of the ceremony was to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of ESSMGB peacekeepers in bringing peace and stability to the people of Guinea-Bissau.
In his welcome address, the Force Commander of ESSMGB, Brig Gen Edward Odinya Ojabo stated that medal presentation ceremony is a military custom geared towards recognizing troops’ participation in Peace Support Operations/missions. He also mentioned that, the Force has benefitted from good collaboration and timely information sharing from the host nation security forces.
The Force Commander urged the contingents to continue the good work and congratulated them for their sacrifice, selflessness, dedication and loyalty to the Stabilization Support Mission and to the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau.
The Special Guest of Honour, the Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS Commission, Her Excellency Dr Ngozi Ukaeje in delivering her keynote address mentioned that, ESSMGB would continue to collaborate with the National Defence and Security Forces as well as other partners in maintaining peace in the Country. She reiterated that this collaboration is necessary within the context of the current political and security situation, as well as the need for sustainable peace towards the forthcoming presidential and legislative elections.
Furthermore, she conveyed her appreciation and congratulated all Officers and Soldiers serving with the mission, for their discipline and professionalism. She stated that the troops deserved the prestigious ECOWAS Peace Operation medal.
Present at the ceremony were representatives of the government of Guinea-Bissau, a representative of the Chief of Defence Staff of the Armed Forces of Guinea Bissau, Service Chiefs and heads of other security agencies, members of the diplomatic corps in Bissau, the UN Resident Coordinator and Defence Attachés of ECOWAS member states in Bissau.
Also present at the ceremony was a Ghana Army delegation led by Brigadier General Fred Ntiri, Acting Commandant of the National College of Defence Studies, Ghana.