By Christiana Afua Nyarko
Accra, July 16, GNA – Defence Minister Dr Edward Omane Boamah on Wednesday inaugrated the Governing Board of the Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG), urging innovation, private sector collaboration, and effective veteran support programmes.
A statement issued by Colonel Ernestina Assan, Director of Public Affairs at the Ministry of Defence and copied to the Ghana News Agency, announced that the twelve-member board is chaired by Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (Rtd) and includes a mix of retired senior military officers and former warrant officers.
Members of the board include Air Commodore Thomas Niifio Okai, Brigadier General Charles Gbekle, Brigadier General Seidu Mumuni (Rtd), Brigadier General Nicholas Kwami Kporku (Rtd), Colonel John Wilberforce Kweku Asabre (Rtd), and Group Captain Seth Fianya (Rtd).
The others are Major Christine Naa Adoley Oko (Rtd), Captain John Kwame Jabari (Rtd), and Ex-Warrant Officers Class One William Koku Akpakli, Moses Amoah Nyarko, and Abukari Issaka.
At the ceremony, held at the Ministry’s premises, each member took the Oath of Office, Oath of Secrecy, and Oath of Allegiance.
The occasion also marked the presentation of a cheque for GHC1.452 million to support VAG’s welfare programmes.
Speaking on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Dramani Mahama, Dr Omane Boamah congratulated the board on their appointment and reaffirmed the government’s confidence in their ability to lead the institution dedicated to the welfare of Ghana’s ex-servicemen and women.
He acknowledged the ongoing difficulties faced by veterans, including access to quality healthcare, delayed pensions, and financial hardship.
Dr Boamah assured the board of the government’s commitment to resolving these challenges through improved healthcare delivery, financial support, employment opportunities, and enhanced recognition of veterans’ service to the nation.
He called on the board to go beyond traditional governance roles and become advocates for veteran welfare, urging them to encourage innovation, build partnerships with the private sector, and work with the Ministry of Defence to implement impactful programmes for veterans and the families of fallen soldiers.
In his response, Rear Admiral Faidoo expressed the board’s gratitude to the President and the Minister for their trust, stating:
He affirmed the board’s commitment to fulfilling its mandate with integrity and professionalism, while focusing on veterans’ welfare and safeguarding the legacy of Ghana’s service personnel.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey