By Mustapha Sesay
The Association of West Africa Civil Chaplain has awarded three senior personnel of the ministry of defense at their headquarters in Freetown. Defense minister Rtd Major Palo Conteh, chief of defense staff Major General Samuel Williams and the forces chief chaplain Major Moses Kargbo were decorated for maintaining peace and security in the country, especially during the elections. The Nigerian-born president of the association, Prof. Tunde Bankole, who honored the three, said the country was attracting foreign investors for the simple fact that it was stable. He said that peace would not have been achieved without the defense force, adding that the awardees should continue with their good work for the greater good of the country. Highlighting the vision and mission of the association Prof. Tunde said “we wanted to equip all and empower the chaplain profession to foster development in West Africa.” He said that prior to the award ceremony a two-day international conference of AWACC was held at the Great Commission House in Freetown to lecture members on peacekeeping and other relevant ethics of the chaplaincy profession. Receiving the award on behalf of the minister of defense, Major General Williams commended the association “for the honour”, noting that it was the first organization to have ever recognized them and the role they played during elections. He dedicated the award to the entire Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces, whom he said were working tirelessly to ensure stability in the country.
