Over 3,300 people have died devoting their lives in pursuit of peace while a million others have served as United Nations Peacekeepers since the inception of the United Nations in 1948.
This came to light at the flag-raising and wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the International Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers held in Accra on Monday, May 29, 2017 under the theme “United Nations Peacekeeping: Investing in Peace around the World”.
The event, which is observed on May 29 of every year is to honour all the men and women who have served and continue to serve on UN peacekeeping Missions and also to pay tribute to UN peacekeepers who died while on peacekeeping duties.
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Ambrose Dery commended the peacekeepers for their professionalism, dedication and courage in the execution of their mandate.
“We have gathered here today to pay tribute to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve in UN peacekeeping operations for their high level of professionalism, dedication and courage.” he said.
According to the Minister, the quest for peace has sometimes come at a great cost resulting in brave and gallant men and women losing their lives in the pursuit of peace as a result of acts of violence, accidents and diseases while on peacekeeping missions.
Mr. Dery, on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, offered a heartfelt condolence to the widows, widowers and bereaved families of the fallen heroes and those who have been permanently maimed or suffered various degrees of injuries while performing this noble duty.
He intimated that, as a responsible member of the United Nations, Ghana has demonstrated her commitment to the Organisation by observing the International Day for UN Peacekeepers since 2003 thus brining the Organisation’s work close to Ghanaians.
The Minister indicated that the humanitarian acts by Ghanaian Peacekeepers in the midst of turmoil, have struck a chord in the hearts of many who have on countless occasions, commended Ghanaian peacekeepers for their discipline and dedication to the cause of peace.
He used the occasion to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to the UN in maintaining peace, the world over.
Mr. Ambrose Dery laid a wreath on behalf of the government and people of Ghana.
Public Relations Unit│Ministry of the Interior│29th May, 2017
