By Christiana Afua Nyarko,
Accra, Dec. 27, GNA – The Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG) brought festive joy to its hospitalized members at the 37 Military Hospital in Accra with its annual Christmas hamper distribution.
The gesture aimed to uplift the spirits of retired soldiers and World War II veterans, offering them a special reminder that they are not forgotten.
The delegation, led by Captain Ben Duah (Rtd), the Executive Director of VAG, visited veterans in various wards, gifting hampers filled with cereals, biscuits, champagne, teabags, and other consumables.
Dressed as Santa Claus, Captain Duah and his team brought festive cheer to the veterans as they distributed the gifts, showing care and concern for their fellow ex-servicemen.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Captain Duah explained that the initiative was aimed at showing care and concern for their fellow veterans, making them feel loved and appreciated during the holiday season.
He added that the gesture was part of an annual tradition, which has received positive feedback from retired beneficiaries in the past.
Due to the success and the warm reception it received, Capt. Duah emphasized that this gesture would be sustained as part of VAG’s commitment to the welfare of its members.
“When we visit some of the regions and district offices, you will be glad to hear some beneficiaries testifying to the benefits and appreciating it so, we take delight in doing this”, he said.
Capt. Duah lauded the peaceful nature of the recent elections in Ghana, despite reports of isolated skirmishes in certain regions.
He commended the leadership for ensuring a largely smooth electoral process.
However, he urged Ghanaians to temper their expectations for rapid socio-economic transformation after the transition on January 7, 2025.
“Expectations of Ghanaians are very high. It is unfortunate that in Ghana after elections, people think we will be able to create everything new overnight and that is not possible. It takes time. There can never be any magic wand, though politicians may create such impressions during campaigns,” Captain Duah said.
The distribution of hampers saw several veterans, including Ex Corporal Ayikwei Okai GC, a World War II veteran, receive the heavily packed hampers.
Okai, who is over 90 years old, shared his appreciation for the gesture and highlighted how consistent support, such as the recently increased British Grant of £1,350 paid to war veterans, had helped him establish a pig farm, which has financially sustained him over the years.
“I was able to use part of the grant to raise pigs on my farm. It helped me a lot,” Okai said, sitting on his hospital bed.
The British Grant, which is paid annually by the UK Government to WWII veterans who fought alongside the British in places like Burma, or to their surviving spouses, has proven to be a vital source of support for many veterans.
Other notable recipients of the hampers included 89-year-old Army Veteran James Laryea, the father of Israel Laryea, a well-known Ghanaian broadcast journalist, news editor, and anchor.
GNA