Ghanaian Troops Win Hearts in Gambia: ECOMIG’s Acts of Kindness Transform Barra
By Modou L. Badjie
Ghana’s ECOMIG Troops, stationed in the North Bank Region, are fostering a strong bond with locals through selfless initiatives. Acts of generosity, including a garage cleanup and office renovation in Barra, showcase the troops’ commitment to community welfare, earning appreciation.
The Black Stars, as the Ghanaian forces are known, not only cleaned Barra’s busiest garage, but also undertook a renovation project for the dilapidated office of the Garage authorities. The renovation included changing the roof, enhancing the infrastructure, and re-electrifying the office, all at zero cost.
Assan Busso, the Secretary of the Barra Transport Workers Association, acknowledged the substantial positive impact of the Ghanaian contingent since the inception of the ECOMIG mission in the country. He highlighted that the women in the region now prefer seeking medical services from the Ghanian Military Camp, a demonstration to the quality healthcare provided by the medics.
Ousman Jobe, Vice President of the Barra Garage, expressed gratitude to the troops, emphasising the voluntary and unconditional support they receive. Jobe assured that the garage and the renovated office would be maintained in a clean and orderly manner.
He stated, “We will do our best to clean the garage every month because it’s not nice for a stranger to help you all the time. We will also do something meaningful next time.”
Adama Cham, the Garage Committee Treasurer, echoed appreciation for the unflinching support from the Ghanian contingent, emphasising that their efforts surpassed those of the Area Council authorities. Cham said, “Everyone knows that cleanliness is part of health. That’s why we are ever grateful to the Ghanaian forces. They came with all the needed equipment and cleaned our garage, which we truly appreciate because even the Area Council authorities never embarked on such activity here in Barra.”
Major Francis Ackom, the Deputy Commander of the Ghanaian Forces, underscored the longstanding brotherhood between Gambia and Ghana. He noted that their mission goes beyond maintaining peace and security, extending to supporting the civil population. Major Ackom revealed that their activities are financially supported by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The cleaning exercise was a collaborative effort with the Esseu Upper and Senior Environmental Club members. The hope is that the people of Barra will embrace the initiative by maintaining cleanliness in their streets at least once every month.