Australians to celebrate Anzac centenary in Ghana

The Australian High Commission in Accra would hold a dawn service at the Christiansborg War Cemetery, Osu, on April 5 to celebrate Anzac centenary in Ghana.

Each year on Anzac Day, Australians and New Zealanders gather at services and ceremonies to mark the event.

One hundred years ago, on 25 April 1915, Australian and New Zealand troops landed on the shores of the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey, beginning a gruelling eight-month campaign as part of World War 1.

A statement issued in Accra and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday said the Australian High Commissioner, Ms Joanna Adamson said the Gallipoli campaign resulted in the deaths of around 87,000 Ottoman soldiers, and 44,000 Allied soldiers - including more than 8,700 Australians and 2,700 New Zealanders.

“Anzac Day is a time to remember all Australians and New Zealanders who have served their country in war and peacekeeping operations. After a century, servicemen and women continue to take pride in, and inspiration from, the original Anzacs,” Ms Adamson said.

“It is also a time to remember the essential contribution of those on the home front who support and care for those in service, and often face the loss or injury of loved ones.”