News:
November 12, 2013
Parliament on Tuesday honoured gallant Ghanaians soldiers (Veterans) who fought and lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, and also for their loyal and dedicated service to Ghana.
According to the MPs, the ultimate sacrifice of these soldiers deserves recognition and must remind all Ghanaians especially the youth that Ghana is worth dying for.
Remembrance Day Celebration which is held annually on 11th November is a memorial observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of the First World War to remember members of the armed force who died in the line of duty.
Delivering a statement to mark the day on the floor of Parliament, the Defence Minister, Mark Owen Woyongo used the opportunity to recognize and applaud the government and Parliament of Ghana for passing the Veterans Administration Ghana Act, Act 844 which was given Presidential accent on the 10th May 2012.
He noted that the main object of the act is to form a body of persons who have served in the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West Africa Frontier Force or the Ghana Armed Forces and have been honourably released, to promote the unity of military veterans and foster among the veterans the spirit of comradeship and mutual help.
Hon. Woyongo said the main function of the veterans’ administration will therefore be to ensure that proper attention is paid to the welfare of the military veterans released from the military and see to the maintenance and comfort of those who require special treatment such as disabled, the sick, the aged, the needy and destitute.
He prayed that government and the public will work diligently towards the promotion of peace and development just like the contribution of these soldiers who have exhibited discipline, hardwork, good moral standards and other virtues for the development and progress of society.
Adding his voice to the statement, MP for Akuapem North and Ranking Member of the Defence and Interior Committtee of Parliament, Hon. W.O Boafo called on government to expand and improve infrastructure at the Amasaman Legion Village which has been built for the military veterans to make them more comfortable.
He emphasized the need for the surviving veterans to give first-hand account of the world wars for their story to be compiled into a book to educate generations to come.
Hon. Muntaka Mubarak MP for Asawase on his part noted that the concept of volunteerism just like was shown by the military veterans appears to be getting lost in the Ghanaian society as everyone is asking for his/her pound of flesh, adding that it’s about time discipline is deepened in the society.
Kwadwo Anim/GhanaMPs.gov.gh