In a moving display of compassion and international solidarity, the Ghana Formed Police Unit One (GHFPU 1), Rotation Nine, has extended humanitarian support to the Bieh Community Hospital in South Sudan, delivering much-needed medical supplies and food to ease pressure on the facility during the Christmas season.
The humanitarian outreach, carried out under the auspices of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), was designed to provide immediate medical relief while deepening cooperation between UN peacekeepers and the host community.
It also underscored the role of peacekeeping missions beyond security, highlighting their commitment to human welfare and community resilience.
The exercise was led by the Deputy Field Office Police Coordinator and Acting Field Office Police Coordinator, Madam Anke Lute, together with Madam Doaa Elnagar of the FPU Coordination Office in Bentiu.
The Ghanaian contingent was headed by the Deputy Commanding Officer of GHFPU 1, Chief Superintendent Rosina Adwoa Donkor Gariba, supported by six senior police officers and 17 other ranks, including 14 inspectors.
In a statement, GHFPU 1 said the outreach team comprised six female and 17 male officers and utilised six UNMISS vehicles to transport personnel and relief items to the community.
Upon arrival in Bieh, the delegation paid courtesy calls on the Bieh Police Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Dhiesl, and the Community Leader, Mr. Gabriel Majang Deng, to formally notify them of the humanitarian exercise and reaffirm cooperation with local authorities.
Addressing community members and hospital staff, Chief Superintendent Gariba conveyed Christmas goodwill on behalf of the Contingent Commander, Chief Superintendent Bismark Achaab, and highlighted the deeper significance of the gesture.
“This exercise reflects our commitment to civil–military cooperation and to standing with communities, especially during moments of need,” she said, stressing that the Ghanaian peacekeepers remained dedicated to supporting the well-being of the people within their area of deployment.
Madam Lute, for her part, reaffirmed UNMISS’s mandate to protect civilians and support communities under its Area of Responsibility, noting that public health and security were closely linked.
“Health and security go hand in hand. We encourage residents to take personal health seriously and to maintain close cooperation with the police for collective safety,” she stated.
The Head of the Medical Team, Superintendent Dr. Agyekum Kwabena Ampofo, described the outreach as an expression of solidarity during the festive season.
“Christmas is a time of sharing. We hope these supplies will ease the burden on the hospital and be used effectively to serve patients,” he said, adding that the GHFPU Level One Hospital remained available to provide technical medical support when required.
The event was briefly enlivened by a choreography performance by Ghanaian officers, drawing warm applause and smiles from community members, before the official presentation of the medical supplies and food items to hospital management and local leaders.
Receiving the donation, the Head of Bieh Community Hospital, Mr. Bakuony Tap Long, expressed deep appreciation to the Ghanaian contingent and UNMISS, describing the support as timely and lifesaving.
“These supplies have come when we are facing serious shortages,” he said, appealing for further assistance to enable the hospital to construct an extension to meet the growing healthcare needs of the community.
UNMISS officials have since described the programme as a successful civil–military engagement, reflecting the positive impact of peacekeeping efforts that combine security with compassion, and reinforcing bonds between international peacekeepers and the communities they serve.
