By Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Bolgatanga, Nov. 12, GNA – Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improve the welfare, and living conditions of retired military personnel, particularly in healthcare, housing, social protection, and livelihood opportunities.
He gave the assurance in a speech delivered on his behalf at the 81st Remembrance Day parade at the Veterans Administration of Ghana (VAG) Cenotaph in Bolgatanga.
Mr Atanga said the sacrifices of veterans must be recognised beyond ceremonial commemorations, and reflect in practical interventions that protect their welfare, dignity, and inclusion in national life.
“Our gratitude to veterans must go beyond words and ceremonial observances. It must be reflected in practical efforts to protect their welfare, dignity and inclusion in national life,” he stated.
Mr Atanga assured veterans that the government would continue to work with the VAG and other relevant institutions to explore sustainable ways of strengthening support for retired servicemen, and women.
“Our veterans stood for us in times of danger; we must also stand with them in their years of retirement, and in times of need,” he added.
The Minister paid tribute to Ghanaian servicemen, and women who lost their lives in the two World Wars, subsequent military engagements, and United Nations peacekeeping missions, describing their contributions as a significant part of the country’s history.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of living veterans, widows and families of fallen heroes, and expressed gratitude for their courage, resilience, and service to the nation.
Touching on security challenges in the region, Mr Atanga identified chieftaincy, and land disputes, communal tensions, and potential threats of terrorism, and violent extremism in the wider Sahel region as concerns requiring sustained attention.
He commended security agencies, particularly personnel deployed in Bawku and its environs, for their dedication and sacrifices in maintaining law and order.
He urged the agencies to strengthen collaboration, intelligence-sharing and coordinated operations to safeguard the country’s borders and address internal security threats.
These efforts, he emphasised, must be guided by professionalism, discipline, respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Mr Atanga called on traditional authorities, religious leaders, political actors, youth groups, and community leaders to support ongoing peace efforts and reject violence, inflammatory statements, and actions that threaten peaceful coexistence.
“Peace is a shared responsibility, and sustainable development can only thrive in an atmosphere of security and stability,” he stressed.
The Minister encouraged young people to demonstrate patriotism through responsible citizenship, hard work, discipline, respect for others, and commitment to the common good.
He urged them to become agents of peace, tolerance, and development rather than participants in violence, and division.
He reminded serving security personnel that their uniforms represented responsibility and public trust, and urged them to uphold the legacy of courage, professionalism, and dedication established by previous generations.
The 81st Remembrance Day commemoration brought together veterans, security personnel, traditional, and religious leaders, government officials and other stakeholders to honour Ghanaian servicemen, and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country, and humanity.
The ceremony featured wreath-laying and moments of silence in honour of fallen heroes, with renewed calls for patriotism, national unity, peace, and sustained support for veterans.
The commemoration was held under the enduring call: “Lest We Forget!”
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei
Reporter: Godfred Aaneamenga Polkuu
Reporter’s email: [email protected]