By: Emmanuel Amoah
Dr. Bernard Okoe-Boye, the Minister of Health, has committed to equipping the Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG) Clinic in Amasaman with an ambulance and a financial contribution of GH¢100,000 to bolster the facility’s operations.
According to Dr. Okoe-Boye, enhancing the clinic’s capabilities is essential in providing quality healthcare for veteran soldiers and their families, which will also help reduce the burden on the 37 Military Hospital in Accra.
He made these remarks during the annual Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Band Concert and Poppy Appeal launch, which took place at the VAG Club House in Accra on Friday. The event is aimed at raising funds to support the welfare of veterans and their families across the nation.
Dr. Okoe-Boye also noted that the Ministry of Health was ready to provide the VAG Clinic with modern diagnostic and therapeutic equipment to further improve the clinic’s services.
He praised the leadership of VAG for their continuous efforts and the various initiatives they had implemented to enhance the welfare of veterans. However, the Health Minister expressed concern that the red poppy, which symbolizes the remembrance of soldiers and civilians who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, seemed to be losing its significance in Ghana.
He urged the VAG leadership to intensify public awareness campaigns on the poppy’s importance, emphasizing that it represents the sacrifices made by Ghanaian veterans in securing the country’s peace and development.
Dr. Okoe-Boye also called on VAG to explore additional means of generating income, beyond voluntary donations and government support, to sustain their operations. He encouraged all citizens to purchase artificial poppies as a way to support VAG in fulfilling its mandate, as outlined in the Veterans Administration Act 844 of 2012.
Captain Ben Edmund Duah (Rtd), the Executive Director of VAG, highlighted some of the association’s recent achievements, including the refurbishment of the VAG Clinic, the transformation of its headquarters into a modern office complex, the acquisition of 12 new buses, and the renovation of residential accommodation at the Legion Village in Amasaman for the medical staff of the 37 Military Hospital who would be assigned to the VAG Clinic.
Despite these successes, Captain Duah (Rtd) identified two pressing issues: resolving pension disparities for veterans affected by the PNDC era and rationalizing pension payments for Lieutenant Colonels and below. He called on the Minister for Defence, Mr. Dominic Nitiwul, to address these challenges permanently. Captain Duah (Rtd) expressed gratitude for the continued support from individuals, institutions, and organizations, including the National Lottery Authority (NLA) and the Ministry of Defence.
He also urged Ghanaians to uphold peace and security throughout the upcoming General Elections on December 7.
