The Upper West Regional Minister, Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing, has commended the 10 Mechanised Battalion (10 Mech Bn) of the Ghana Army for its strategic and indispensable role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Upper West Region, particularly along the Ghana–Burkina Faso border.
According to the Minister, the Battalion’s presence and operations remain critical at a time when border communities face emerging security threats, including terrorism and transnational crime.
He noted that the professionalism, vigilance, and close collaboration between the 10 Mechanised Battalion and civil authorities have been instrumental in maintaining calm and reinforcing public confidence in the region’s security architecture.
The 10 Mechanised Battalion is responsible for border security and counter-terrorism operations in the region. The Battalion works alongside the 69 Airborne Force under the Northern Command, conducts regular patrols, intelligence-led operations, and specialised training such as Close Quarter Battle (CQB) to secure the Ghana–Burkina Faso border and protect vulnerable communities.
Hon. Puozuing made these remarks on Sunday, 25 January 2026, when he served as the Guest of Honour at a thanksgiving religious parade held at Aggrey Barracks in Wa, under the theme “The Blessing in Thanksgiving.” The ceremony was organised to thank God for the safe return of Ghana Battalion 12 troops from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The Regional Minister expressed profound gratitude to God for the safe homecoming of the troops, describing their successful deployment as a testament to the discipline, resilience, and peacekeeping excellence of the Ghana Armed Forces. He stressed that despite the volatile and demanding nature of the South Sudan mission, the contingent upheld the highest standards of professionalism and selfless sacrifice, bringing honour to Ghana.
Hon. Puozuing further commended the outgoing Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Godfred Asampong, for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service both at home and during the UNMISS deployment. He also welcomed the incoming Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel James Bampoe Palmer, assuring him of the full support and cooperation of the Regional Coordinating Council and the people of the Upper West Region.
For his part, the outgoing Commanding Officer, Lt Col Godfred Asampong, expressed heartfelt appreciation to God for a successful tour of duty under the UNMISS mandate. He stated that notwithstanding the hostile operational environment in South Sudan, the Battalion executed its mission with discipline, cohesion, and teamwork.
Lt Col Asampong also acknowledged the efforts of officers and soldiers who sustained the Unit’s administration and provided critical support to families of deployed personnel. He expressed full confidence in the leadership of the incoming Commanding Officer and urged all ranks to offer him their unwavering loyalty and cooperation.
The ceremony attracted several high-ranking dignitaries, including the General Officer Commanding the Northern Command, Brigadier General Franklyn Worlanyo Kwasi Agbebo, Heads of Regional Sister Security Services, and Senior Officers from the Northern Command Headquarters.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
