The 80th Remembrance Day of the end of the First World War was commemorated in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, with a solemn service and parade to honour gallant men and women who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty.
The colourful and reflective ceremony, held at the Ho Jubilee Park, brought together officers and men of the various security agencies, traditional authorities, veterans, students, and members of the public.
The parade featured contingents drawn from the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana National Fire and Rescue Service, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana Immigration Service, and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority. Members of the Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG), also took part in the event.
The ceremony was marked by Christian, Muslim, and traditional prayers; the laying of wreaths; the reading of the Binyon Verse; the blowing of the siren; and the sounding of the Last Post at exactly 11:00 a.m. This was followed by a three-gun salute and a two-minute silence in honour of fallen heroes who paid the ultimate price in defence of peace and freedom.
The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to retooling and strengthening the capacity of Ghana’s security services to ensure national peace and stability.
Mr Gunu said the government continued to invest in logistics and capacity building for the security agencies to enhance their performance in safeguarding the nation.
“The government is committed to ensuring that our security services are well-resourced to deliver their mandate. We are seeing the evidence already, especially within the Police Service, through reforms and new policy initiatives.”
He commended Ghana’s security personnel for their discipline, professionalism, and sacrifices, describing them as among the best in the world.
Mr Gunu further urged continued collaboration among all stakeholders to protect the peace and stability the country enjoys.
“Our men and women in uniform continue to demonstrate competence and dedication. We must all work together to ensure that the peace and security of this state are never compromised.”
Ex-FCPO1 Bediako Solomon, Volta and Oti Regional Officer of the Veterans Administration, Ghana, emphasised that the annual observance served as a reminder of the sacrifices made by Ghanaian soldiers who fought for global peace.
He disclosed that only two surviving veterans from the World Wars remain in the region, alongside four widows of deceased veterans who are under care.
Mr Bediako appealed to the government, corporate bodies, and individuals to support the veterans and their families with medical care, mobility aids, and welfare assistance.
“The men we celebrate today gave us peace through their sacrifices. Many are now over 100 years old, and their wives are in their 80s and 90s. Their needs go beyond pensions; they require medical attention, mobility support, and compassion.”
He also expressed gratitude to the late former President, Flt. Lt. Jerry John Rawlings, for initiating state support for World War veterans, noting that without such interventions, many would have died in neglect.
Ex-Warrant Officer Class One (WOI) Kofi Amegbor, Regional Chairman of the Veterans Administration, Ghana, for Volta and Oti, urged serving military personnel to remain disciplined, patriotic, and patient in their service to the nation.
“Those in service today must be patient. Do not let money be your only motivation. I served 33 years in the Armed Forces and have been a veteran for 15 years now. Work with dedication, and the reward will come.”
The solemn ceremony climaxed with the laying of wreaths in honour of the fallen heroes.
Hon. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, laid a wreath on behalf of the President and People of Ghana.
Commodore James Adongo Agambire, Officer Commanding the 7 Garrison Regiment, laid one on behalf of the security services.
Togbe Adanu Sakrafo X, Dufia of Goviefe Traditional Area, laid a wreath on behalf of the chiefs and people of the Volta Region, while Ex-WOI Kofi Amegbor laid the final wreath on behalf of the Veterans Administration, Ghana.
Remembrance Day, observed annually on November 11 across Commonwealth nations, honours servicemen and women who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars and in other peacekeeping operations worldwide.
The 2025 solemn event highlighted Ghana’s collective appreciation for those who fought for freedom and peace, reminding all citizens of the price of unity and the duty to preserve it.
By: Daniel Orlando/newsalertgh.com
