Accra, Nov. 11, GNA – Mr George Obeng-Fianko, a retired Ghana Army officer and security management professional, has called on governments, institutions and communities to provide greater support for veterans, saying honouring former servicemen and women should go beyond parades and ceremonial events.
In a Veterans Day message, Mr. Obeng-Fianko, Vice President of the Sweet Bo Association, a veteran advocacy and welfare organization said while November 11 was an important occasion to celebrate the courage, discipline and sacrifice of veterans, practical support for living veterans remained critical.
He noted that many veterans, particularly in Africa, continued to face challenges, including limited access to healthcare, inadequate housing, financial hardship and social isolation.
“Honouring veterans must mean more than parades, memorials or funerals. Living veterans need healthcare, safe accommodation, financial security, transport and companionship,” he stated.
Mr Obeng-Fianko, who served in the Ghana Army for more than 20 years in various roles, including operations intelligence, guard commander, personal bodyguard and permanent escort, said some retired soldiers became ill without receiving regular visits or support.
He urged leaders of veterans’ organisations and relevant institutions to engage more actively with older and vulnerable veterans, listen to their concerns and ensure welfare support reached beneficiaries directly.
The retired officer also called for greater transparency in the management of funds raised in the name of veterans.
“A coffin or funeral after death cannot replace healthcare, welfare or companionship while a veteran is alive,” he stressed.
Mr Obeng-Fianko recommended measures such as improved access to hospitals and medical care, suitable housing, reliable transportation, timely pension payments and sustainable welfare programmes to improve the lives of veterans.
He also advocated regular outreach programmes, family support systems, skills training and employment opportunities to help retired military personnel maintain dignity and economic security.
According to him, veterans should be given a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their welfare and wellbeing.
Drawing on his observations and experiences, Mr Obeng-Fianko said he remained concerned about the conditions under which many ageing veterans lived, particularly in Africa, where improvements in healthcare and living standards for former service personnel had been slow.
“Our gratitude must lead to meaningful change,” he said.
He said while parades remained an important symbol of appreciation for service, consistent care and support throughout the year were the true measures of a society’s commitment to its veterans.
Mr Obeng-Fianko is a Co-Founder of the Sweet Bo Association and formerly served as the first Security Manager of Karpowership Ghana after retiring from the military.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade