(UNITY STATE) – Ghanaian police serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan have delivered medical supplies and food to Bieh Community Hospital, providing timely support to local health services and reinforcing cooperation between peacekeepers and host communities.
The outreach was carried out by the Ghana Formed Police Unit One, Rotation Nine, as part of UNMISS community engagement activities. It aimed to respond to immediate medical needs while strengthening trust and collaboration with local authorities and residents in the Bieh area.
The activity was led by the Deputy Field Office Police Coordinator and Acting Field Office Police Coordinator, Madam Anke Lute, together with Madam Doaa Elnagar from the FPU Coordination Office in Bentiu. The Ghanaian contingent was headed by the Deputy Commanding Officer, Chief Superintendent Rosina Adwoa Donkor Gariba, supported by senior officers and inspectors drawn from the unit.
According to a statement from the Ghana Formed Police Unit One, the team consisted of both male and female officers and deployed several UNMISS vehicles to deliver the supplies. Upon arrival, the delegation paid courtesy calls on the Bieh Police Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Dhiesl, and the local community leader, Mr Gabriel Majang Deng, to formally inform them of the outreach.
Chief Superintendent Gariba conveyed goodwill messages on behalf of the Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent Bismark Achaab, and said the initiative reflected the commitment of peacekeepers to stand with communities during times of need. She noted that cooperation between security forces and civilians remains essential for stability and development.
Madam Lute reaffirmed the UNMISS mandate to support communities within its area of responsibility, stressing that public health and security are closely linked. She encouraged residents to prioritise their health and maintain close cooperation with the police to support overall safety.
The head of the medical team, Superintendent Dr Agyekum Kwabena Ampofo, said the support was intended to ease pressure on the hospital during the festive period. He added that the Ghana Formed Police Unit Level One Hospital remained available to provide technical medical assistance when required.
| Item delivered | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Medical supplies | Support patient treatment |
| Food items | Assist hospital operations |
The event also included a brief cultural performance by Ghanaian officers, which was warmly received by community members, before the formal handover of supplies to hospital management and local leaders.
Receiving the items, the head of Bieh Community Hospital, Mr Bakuony Tap Long, described the donation as timely, noting that the facility was facing serious shortages. He appealed for further support to expand the hospital in order to meet growing demand.
UNMISS officials said the programme demonstrated effective civil cooperation and highlighted the role of peacekeeping forces in supporting essential services.