Personnel of Ghana Company 9 (GHANCOY 9) serving under the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia were awarded service medals and marked Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary on March 6 in Barra, The Gambia.
The event recognized the contributions of Ghanaian troops to peacekeeping efforts and highlighted their role in maintaining security within the region. This year’s theme, “Building Prosperity, Restoring Hope,” reflected both national aspirations and broader objectives for stability in West Africa.
During the ceremony, ECOMIG Force Commander Col Aliou Tine commended GHANCOY 9 officers and soldiers for their professionalism. He said they played a key role in maintaining security through coordinated patrols and cooperation with Gambian security services, especially at the Barra Ferry Terminal—a vital transportation link connecting different parts of the country. Brig Gen Stanley Mezo, representing the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces, said: “Ghanaian troops have served with distinction in numerous missions across the world, earning a reputation for professionalism and respect for host communities.” He congratulated medal recipients and encouraged them to wear their decorations with pride as symbols of honorable service.
Her Excellency Miatta Lily French, Resident Representative of the President of ECOWAS in The Gambia and special guest at the event, praised GHANCOY 9 personnel for their civil–military cooperation with local communities. She highlighted humanitarian outreach programs such as support to health facilities, educational assistance to schools, and participation in blood donation drives.
The Economic Community of West African States seeks to advance cooperation among member states by harmonizing policies related to trade, transport, agriculture, and social development to promote stability according to its official website. The Commission is led by a president supported by a vice president and commissioners according to its official website. In 2022, ECOWAS launched a multilingual website aimed at improving accessibility and transparency according to its official website.
ECOWAS programs currently target twelve West African countries but aim for broader regional impact according to its official website. The organization influences policy by harmonizing economic systems among member states across sectors like infrastructure and social development according to its official website, holding authority under its treaty to align frameworks through mechanisms such as common external tariffs according to its official website.
The ceremony brought together senior military officers, government officials, diplomats, and residents from the North Bank Region. It celebrated both Ghana’s independence milestone and ongoing contributions by Ghanaian soldiers toward peace in The Gambia.