Remembrance Day Service Held Across Country

Accra, Nov. 11 GNA- A 90-minute solemn ceremony to mark the 58th anniversary celebration of the remembrance day service in memory of the heroes who died in the First and Second World wars was held at the Independence Square in Accra on Tuesday.

On parade at the service were eight officers and 255 men contingent drawn from the Ghana Army, Air force, Navy, Police and the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG), who were ushered to the parade by traditional horn blowers (mmenson).

President John Agyekum Kufuor, who attended the ceremony laid the first out of the 12 wreaths that were laid in memory of the heroes by the representatives of the Commonwealth countries in Ghana and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps.

Nii Adotei Obuor II, Sempe Mantse and Acting President of the Ga Traditional Council laid one on behalf of chiefs, while Lt. Gen. Albert Okae, Chairman of VAG also laid one for the veterans.

The knell sounded, the siren blew and the Binyon verses were read before the last post sounded and a two-minute silence was observed. Flag was hoisted to signify the Commonwealth countries that took part in the World War One and Two.

Dignitaries at the service included the Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, Chairman of the Council of State, Pro. Alex Kwapong, Service Commanders and Ministers of State and the public.

Veterans at Cape Coast observe day

Cape Coast Nov. 11, GNA- A parade of 220 officers and men from the 64 Regiment in Accra and the Police, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana National Fire Service, City Guards, and cadets from the Adisadel College and the veterans was held in front of the Cape Coast Castle to commemorate the fallen gallant soldiers in the two world wars.

The Central Regional Minister, Mr Isaac Edumadze, Regional Police Commander, Mr Bernard Guyiri Dery, and the Tufohene of Oguaa Traditional Area, Nana Kwame Adu IV attended the ceremony Four wreaths were laid on behalf of the government, security services, chiefs and the veterans.

Chairman of the Regional Veteran Association of Ghana Mr Daniel Quaye, read the "Binyon" verse commending the gallant heroes while a minute's silence was observed for them. At 11.am the last post was sounded amidst ringing of church bells, hosting of the Ghana and the veterans flags. The officers later marched through the principal streets of Cape Coast.

Veterans day is observed every November 11 to remember the soldiers who fought in the first and second world wars.

Sunyani

At Sunyani, 150 security men and women from the Ghana Army, Police Service, Ghana Prison Service, Ghana immigration Service, Customs, Exercise and Preventive Service (CEPS) and the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) led by captain John Ndewire took part in a parade. Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Regional Minister laid a wreath on behalf of the President and the people of Ghana, Major Iddi Zakaria, the acting Commander of the Three Garrison laid on behalf of the Ghana Army, while Mr Douglas Aseidu Akrofi, Regional Police Commander laid on behalf of the security services.

Nana Kwadwo Nyarko III, Pranghene who is also the President of the Brong Ahafo Regional House of Chiefs laid on behalf of the people of the region while Warrant Officer Class One (WO1) Stephen Diawuo, Chairman of the Regional Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG) laid one on behalf of his colleagues.

Lieutenant Winfred Sraha, a Catholic priest in a sermon, urged the security personnel to emulate the courage of the past heroes who laid down their lives for peace to prevail in the country.

Lt. Sraha noted that the heroes built their inspirations from Christ who laid down his life to save mankind.

He explained the significance of the Remembrance Day and said it was to remember Servicemen and women who sacrificed their lives for world peace during the World Wars.

58th Remembramce Day held at Takoradi

At Takoradi Soldiers of the number Two Garrison, took part in a parade to commemorate the 58th Remembrance Day celebration at the Western Regional Cenotaph at the Harbour View, Takoradi.

Those who took part in the ceremony included the Veterans, heads of department the general public and nine officers and 200 men and women from the security services, under the command of Lt. Commander R. R. Forson.

Also in attendance were a detachment of the Regional branch of the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG) and the Airforce Regimental Band. The service was conducted by Lt Rev Paul Adjei-Djan, who was assisted by Captain Yaw Boateng and Imam Warrant Officer Ahmed Mohammed. Christian and Muslim prayers were offered for the President, Vice-President, the Cabinet, and Members of Parliament.

Lt Adjei-Djan prayed that God would touch the hearts of the country's leaders to work diligently for the peace, protection and prosperity.

The Regional Minister, Mr Joseph Boahen Aidoo, laid wreaths on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, Two Garrison Commander, Commodore Christian Pupulampu, laid one on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces, and the Regional Police Commander, Mr George Asiamah, on behalf of the security services.

Other wreaths were laid for the Chiefs and people of the region by Kasapreko Kwame Bassanyin III, President of the Western Regional House of Chiefs, and the ex-servicemen by Ex-Corporal Paul Ghan, Regional Chairman of the VAG.

Ho

At Ho a wreath laying ceremony took place at the Cenotaph at the forecourt of the Regional Health Administration of the Ghana Health Service (GHS) in memory of the fallen heroes.

The Volta Regional Minister Mr Kwasi Owusu-Yeboa laid a wreath on behalf of the President and the people of Ghana while others were laid on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces, the Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG), the Regional House of Chiefs and the Security Services. Prayers for peace in the country and the world preceded the ceremony.

Tamale

In Tamale Mr Charles Bintim, Deputy Northern Regional Minister appealed to Ex-Servicemen to bring their experiences to bear to help resolve the long-standing conflict in Dagbon.

He noted: "You are full of experiences in terms of peacekeeping and it is worthy to share these with the serving security agencies for a lasting peace in Dagbon".

Mr Bintim was addressing a group of Ex-Servicemen at the "Remembrance Day" parade in Tamale.

About 185 men and women from the Police, Prisons, the Air Force, Air Force and the Ghana Army took part in the parade under the command of Captain C. K. Lithur.

The Deputy Regional Minister noted that some of the youth who were involved in the Dagbon conflict are children of the Ex-Servicemen and appealed to the Veterans to use their worth of experience to persuade the youth to desist from all acts of violence in Dagbon.

Mr Bintim said the soldiers had contributed immensely to the UN peacekeeping operation, which had won the country international recognition.

Preaching the sermon, Reverend Ernest Ofori-Debrah, of the Sixth Battalion of Infantry, Kamina Barracks in Tamale, asked veterans throughout the country to pray unceasingly for the nation towards next year's general election and lasting peace for the people of Dagbon. Four wreaths were laid. Mr Charles Bintim laid one on behalf of the government and the people of Ghana; Group Captain Jacob Nartey, Garrison Commander, laid one on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) and the security services.

Warrant Officer Class One Said Musa Abubakar Sadik (rtd), the Northern Regional chairman of the VAG, laid the third on behalf of Ex-servicemen while the Gulkpe Naa (Chief of Tamale), Abdulai Siblim, laid the fourth on behalf of chiefs and people of Dagbon.