Omanghana
Personnel of Ghana Company 9 (GHANCOY 9) serving with the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia marked Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary while also receiving service medals during a ceremony held on March 6, 2026 in Barra, North Bank Region, The Gambia.
The event took place at the GHANCOY 9 headquarters and was organized to recognize the peacekeepers for their dedication to maintaining peace and stability in the West African sub-region. Officers and soldiers of the contingent were awarded the ECOMIG Medal in recognition of their meritorious service under the regional mission.
The celebration was held under the theme “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” reflecting both Ghana’s national aspirations and the broader objective of promoting peace and security in the region.
During the ceremony, the Ghanaian contingent was commended for its important role in securing the Barra Ferry Terminal, a key transportation and economic link connecting the northern and southern parts of The Gambia. The unit was also praised for conducting regular patrols and working closely with local security agencies to maintain stability.
In addition to their security duties, GHANCOY 9 was recognized for strong civil–military cooperation efforts, including humanitarian outreach programs in health services, education support, and blood donation campaigns that benefit local communities.
The ceremony was presided over by Miatta Lily French, Resident Representative of the President of the Economic Community of West African States in The Gambia. Other notable attendees included Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, The Gambia’s Minister of Defence, Aliou Tine, Force Commander of the ECOMIG mission, and Stanley Mezo, who led the Medals Day delegation representing the Ghana Armed Forces.
Senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and representatives from the Gambia Armed Forces and Gambia Police Force also attended the event.
Ghana celebrates its Independence Day every year on March 6 to commemorate the country’s freedom from British colonial rule in 1957. While the peacekeepers marked the occasion in The Gambia, the main national celebration in Ghana was held at the forecourt of Jubilee House in Accra.
Source: Omanghana
