By Nii Martey M. Botchway
Accra, Oct. 3, GNA – Mr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, Minister of Defence, has called for sustained national support for veterans, particularly in healthcare and welfare, as the country works to preserve their legacy.
He said the welfare of veterans was a national responsibility, stressing that their sacrifices and contributions to the country deserved continued recognition and support.
The Minister made the call when the Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG) launched the 2026 Poppy Appeal with a band concert at the VAG Clubhouse at North Ridge, Accra.
Funds raise will go into the construction of district offices for VAG to improve administrative and welfare services for veterans and their families.
Preserving veterans’ legacy
Speaking as the Guest of Honour, Mr Adjei highlighted the significance of the poppy as an international symbol of sacrifice, service and remembrance.
He said Ghana had a responsibility to preserve the stories and contributions of its surviving pre-independence veterans, whose numbers continued to decline.
According to him, the experiences and sacrifices of the veterans, including those who served during the Second World War, formed an important part of Ghana’s military history and should not be allowed to fade from public memory.
He therefore urged the media, schools and cultural institutions to play a greater role in documenting and sharing the stories of veterans with younger generations.
The Minister also reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting the welfare and dignity of veterans, particularly through continued support for healthcare and other welfare needs.
Appeal for support
Brigadier General (Rtd) Seidu Mumuni Adams, Executive Director of VAG, explained that the initiative would provide permanent office accommodation in districts where VAG currently lacked suitable facilities.
Brig Gen Adams appealed to individuals, corporate organisations and the general public to support the appeal through the purchase of poppies and donations.
He said contributions would help honour the sacrifices of veterans while enabling VAG to improve the support and welfare services available to them.
Support for the appeal
As part of the fundraising activities, the Ministry of Defence and the Military High Command made donations towards the 2026 Poppy Appeal.
Major Amadu Anicks Lawson Dinko (Rtd), Director, Administration of VAG, expressed appreciation to the Minister, the Military High Command, corporate organisations, partners, the media and the general public for their contributions and support.
The Poppy Appeal forms part of efforts to sustain public remembrance of veterans while mobilising resources to support their welfare and improve services provided to them and their families.
GNA
Nii Martey M. Botchway
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong