Ghanaian Ex-Solders in Toronto at Warriors' Day Parade

Perhaps, one of the most overlooked events at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is the Warriors’ Day Parade. This year, among the Veterans who celebrated the 81st anniversary of the Warriors’ Day Parade, at the CNE grounds on August 17, 2002 was the Ghanaian Ex-Soldiers Society of Canada who took part in the parade for the first time. The Parade started at the Princes' Gate in the morning for about two hours and ended at the main Coliseum with the salutations base mounted on the east side of the arena. There were spectacular marching and display put up by all the contingents and the Ghanaians were no exception. In celebration of the 81st Annual Warriors’ Day Parade, there was also a spectacular musical finale as a salute to the Canadian and world heroes.

Featuring the bands of the National Naval Reserve, the 7th Toronto Regiment Royal Canadian Artillery, the Royal Regiment of Canada, The Pipes & Drums of the 48th Highlanders of Canada and many others from U.S.

According to Mr. Akwasi Prempeh, Chairman of the Ghanaian Ex-Soldiers Society, this is the first time they have taken part in the Parade and hopes to see the group participate in many future parades. "I think never before has it been so important in the eyes of this country to see what it means to be a veteran and to stand up for your Country and democracy ", said Akwasi Prempeh.

The Ghanaian Ex Soldiers Society of Canada is a non-Governmental and non-political Association of former members of the Ghana Armed Forces and their Families, and former Police/ Prison officers and their families. The main objectives for which the association was formed under the Ontario Corporations Act for non-profit Organizations are to encourage and foster and develop solidarity among all former personnel of the Ghana military and Law enforcement forces. It is intended to provide assistance to all its members in matters of Immigration, Health and welfare, and settlement.

Part of their firm objectives is to serve the Government and people of Ontario, in any community service or activity at any given time with receiving and administering funds accruing to any association from membership fees and dues, by donations, gifts, returns etc. They have a mission to foster contacts and cordial relations with other veterans Associations and entering agreements with authority, federal or provincial municipal or local respecting remission from its members . The Association donated Medical supplies to the Veterans Association of Ghana, Ashanti Region in 1999. They plan to send Laboratory equipments to some hospitals in Ghana. The current executive members are, Chairman- John Akwasi Prempeh, Secretary- Francis Ahinful, P.R.O Baffuor Awuah, Treasurer- Michael Osei, Welfare Officer- Joe Lartey Meetings are held every second Sunday of every month at Stanley Community Center, Jane and Sheppard from 4pm to 6pm.