Ghana’s peacekeeping troops serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) have held a memorial service in honour of the late former Secretary-General of the United Nations Kofi Annan.
The battalion held the memorial service in the early hours of Thursday 13 September 2018 at the battalion headquarters located in Al-Qawzah, Lebanon to coincide with the burial service of the late Ghanaian Statesman.
In a tribute, the peacekeepers acknowledged the immense contribution of Annan who rose through the ranks by dint of hard work and perseverance to become the 7th Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Annan was especially known for a comprehensive policy on the UN’s ‘zero tolerance’ policy against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) which led to the formulation of landmark policies to address the issue of sexual misconduct of UN personnel. Consequently, Conduct and Discipline Units have been established in all UN Peace Support Operation theatres to curb the canker, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.
Annan was also seen as a global icon who put Ghana on the map and will be remembered for his tenacity for change and compassion to the vulnerable groups worldwide.
In a short exhortation entitled “How would you want to be remembered”, the battalion Chaplain, Major Cynthia Kumitse entreated all to emulate the virtues exhibited by the late Secretary-General such as service with passion, humility and professionalism. She added that all should work hard and be remembered for positively affecting the lives of others regardless of the position they may find themselves.
The last post was then sounded after which a moment of silence and reveille was observed for the departed UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. All flags in UNIFIL, which is the oldest peacekeeping mission in the world are flying at half-mast in honour of the departed former Secretary-General.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/Wilberforce Asare
