Ghanaian troops serving with the ECOWAS Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) were decorated with ECOWAS medals in recognition of their exceptional service and contribution to peace and stability in The Gambia.

The medal presentation ceremony, held at the contingent’s base in Barra, North Bank Region, featured a vibrant parade and was attended by high-ranking officials, dignitaries, and members of the local community.

The event coincided with Ghana’s 68th Independence Anniversary, commemorated on Thursday 6 March 2025 under the theme ‘Reflect, Review, Reset’, with the troops organisng cultural performances and showcasing made-in-Ghana products as part of the Medal Presentation ceremony.

The ceremony was graced by the presence of the ECOMIG Head of Mission, Her Excellency Madam Miatta Lily French, who was the Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, alongside the Minister for Defence of The Gambia, Honourable Sering Modou Njie, the Special Guest of Honour. Both officials praised the Ghanaian contingent for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication to ECOMIG’s mandate.

HE Madam Miatta Lily French highlighted GHANCOY 8’s pivotal role in maintaining peace and security in the North Bank Region, emphasizing their collaboration with the Gambia Defence and Security Forces (GDSF) in executing critical operations.

She also commended the contingent for their impactful Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) activities, including blood donation drives, Tobaski donations, and community sports engagements as well as participation in last year’s Pink October awareness efforts, which she said had strengthened ties with the local communities.