Personnel of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) Ghana Battalion Four (GHANBATT 4) and the Ghana Level II Hospital 4 (GHANMED 4) have been honoured with the United Nations Peacekeeping Medal during a colourful Joint Medal Day Ceremony held on Friday 6 March 2026.
The event brought together several dignitaries, including the UNISFA Acting Head of Mission & Force Commander (HoM & FC), Major General (Maj Gen) Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, who served as the Reviewing Officer, and a high-level delegation from Ghana led by the Chief of the Army Staff, Maj Gen Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu.
In his address, the Acting HoM & FC congratulated GHANBATT 4 on the high level of professionalism shown throughout their tour of duty. He praised the Battalion for its proactive role in protecting civilians and especially commended their quick intervention during the confrontation involving South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) personnel at Athony Junction, where GHANBATT helped rescue civilians and restore calm.
The Acting HoM & FC also praised GHANBATT’s Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives, emphasising the notable impact of their medical and veterinary outreach programmes carried out across communities within Sector South. According to him, these efforts have bolstered the relationship between peacekeepers and the local population while enhancing the welfare of vulnerable communities.
He further expressed his appreciation to the Commanding Officer (CO) GHANMED 4, Naval Captain Kwesi Okumanin Nsaful, and his personnel for their professionalism and commitment to providing essential medical services. He noted that their interventions have saved many lives and supported both peacekeepers and civilians within the mission area.
The ceremony also formed part of activities celebrating Ghana’s 69th Independence Day, honouring the country’s ongoing contribution to international peacekeeping and its long-standing dedication to global peace and security.
The UNISFA Ghanaian Community later hosted a National Day reception at the Force Headquarters in the evening to showcase Ghanaian culture, cuisine, and traditional dances, with the Forces Commander attending the event.
Other members of the Medal Day delegation from Ghana included the Director-General (DG) Ghana Armed Forces Legal Affairs, Brigadier General (Brig Gen) Charles Gbekle; the DG International Peace Support Operations, Brig Gen Salifu; the Director and Service Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Navy, Naval Captain Andy La-Anyani, a representative from the Veterans Association of Ghana, Group Captain Peter Dogbe (Rtd) and the Army Sergeant Major, Senior Warrant Officer Class I Dogbatse Godson.
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