The 9th Ghanaian contingent (GHANCOY 9) of the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) conducted a humanitarian operation at Farafenni High School on July 31, 2025. The school is located about 115 kilometers from Barra.
The unit, led by Lieutenant-Colonel Ronne Yaw Agbemafle, distributed essential supplies to students. These included stationery, reading books, and sanitary towels. The initiative was designed to help students with their studies and support their personal well-being, especially for young girls.
Lieutenant-Colonel Agbemafle stated, “this gesture was part of the contingent’s commitment to strengthening civil-military relations, encouraging girls’ education and promoting social inclusion within host communities.”
Mr. Abdou Gigo, principal of Farafenni High School, described the support as both valuable and timely. He said it would have an immediate effect on student motivation and academic achievement. Mr. Gigo also noted the importance of a health awareness campaign that took place during the event.
A key part of the day was an interactive session on menstrual hygiene for girls, led by Captain Victoria Yayira Galley. The session aimed to address taboos around menstruation, encourage better menstrual health management, increase self-confidence among girls, and reduce truancy.
This activity aligns with ECOMIG’s broader strategy as a regional military mission deployed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). ECOMIG’s mandate is to promote peace, stability, and development in The Gambia through local engagement and support for communities.