By Frank Kwame Abbor
Ho, Nov 12, GNA – The Jubilee Park in Ho welcomed security agencies, traditional leaders and citizens to honour soldiers, who died in global conflicts over the past century, in commemoration of the 2025 Remembrance Day.
The event, organised by the Veterans Administration of Ghana (VAG) formed part of the 80th worldwide observance of the day (formerly known as Armistice Day), a solemn remembrance of lives lost in the first and second World Wars and other battles, marked every November 11.
Officials described the commemoration as “a renewal of gratitude to the heroes whose sacrifices shaped national and global peace.”
The ceremony opened with the arrival of personnel from the Army, Police Service, Fire Service, Immigration Service, Prisons Service and the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, marching onto the parade grounds ahead of the veterans, who were received with honour as the central figures of the day.
Representatives from the sister security agencies later formed the Armed Party, the group authorised to bear arms during the ceremony, and took position at the cenotaph.
Commanders of the various security agencies arrived in full military ceremony, joined by dignitaries including Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, the Naval Contingent Commander; the Army Commander of the 66 Artillery Regiment, and a 103-year-old veteran, Mr Emmanuel Darkey, whose presence drew admiration from attendees.
A Catholic priest delivered a sermon emphasising the enduring significance of remembrance.
A citation was then read to reaffirm the purpose of the day, “A celebration to show how we value the sacrifices and contributions of our veterans to our national and global development.”
At exactly 1100hours, a three-gun salute was fired in tribute to the fallen heroes, followed by a two-minute silence.
Wreaths were laid at the cenotaph by the Volta Regional Minister on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Naval Commander, the President of Volta Regional House of Chiefs and a representative of the veterans, with each dignitary offering a salute to the veterans on parade.
The day which saw Christian and Islamic prayers of thanksgiving offered as well as a photo session, also had students from OLA Senior High School (SHS), Mawuko SHS, Ho Technical Institute, Sonrise Christian High School and Kabore Junior High School witnessing the observance which has also come to be known as 11/11 day.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/George-Ramsey Benamba