Veterans call for unity as Central Region marks Remembrance Day at Cape Coast

The sacrifices of Ghanaian servicemen and women who died in the line of duty have been honoured at a solemn ceremony marking the 81st Remembrance Day at the Cenotaph at Cape Coast Castle.

The commemoration, held on Wednesday, November 11, brought together approximately 300 personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service and the Veterans Association, alongside cadet corps from Adisadel College SHS and St. Augustine's College SHS, for a parade in honour of the fallen.

The ceremony recognised servicemen and women who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars, as well as those who died while participating in subsequent peacekeeping operations.

A minute of silence was observed in their memory, followed by the ringing of a church bell and the sounding of sirens to mark the occasion.

The event was attended by the Central Regional Minister, Mr Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah; the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area; regional security commanders; the Central Regional Chief Imam; members of the clergy; traditional authorities; government officials and representatives of the diplomatic corps.

Four wreaths were laid as part of the tribute. The Regional Minister laid one on behalf of the President and the people of Ghana, while the Omanhen represented the people of Cape Coast and traditional authorities.

The Regional Police Commander also laid a wreath in honour of fallen police personnel, while the Veterans Association paid tribute to its deceased members and other servicemen.

Beyond commemorating the fallen, the ceremony highlighted the responsibility of present-day Ghanaians to contribute to national development and uphold the values for which others made the ultimate sacrifice.

Addressing the gathering, Mr Eduamoah said service to the nation should not be viewed solely in terms of military involvement but should also be reflected in people's professional responsibilities and attitudes towards the environment.

"Ours may not be going to the battlefield to fight for this nation. Ours may be what we do even with our pen and with our calculators. Ours may be how we treat our environment," he said.

He urged Ghanaians to make meaningful contributions to society and establish legacies that would benefit generations to come.

For veterans, the occasion also reinforced the importance of protecting the peace and stability for which many servicemen and women sacrificed their lives.

The Central Regional Chairman of the Veterans Association, Ex-Warrant Officer Class One Kingsley Korsah, called for unity and peaceful coexistence, cautioning against divisions that could plunge the country into conflict.

"We should be one; we should be united. Once you are united, definitely you will not call for war or any conflict," he said.

Mr Korsah also encouraged retired servicemen and women to prioritise their health and appealed to the government to continue supporting their welfare.

The commemoration ended with a march past through the principal streets of Cape Coast, featuring security personnel and cadet corps from the 2 senior high schools in a final tribute to the fallen.