Accra: The Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG), has launched the 2025 Poppy Appeal with a call for support to purchase an ambulance for the VAG clinic at Amasaman in the Ga West Municipality. The initiative aims to aid veterans, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), and the state in preparing for the global commemoration of Poppy Day or Remembrance Day on November 11.
According to Ghana News Agency, the red poppy serves as a symbol to remind the world of the horrors of wars and to honor those who lost their lives or were injured in the pursuit of peace. Brigadier General Seidu Adams (RTD), Executive Director of VAG, emphasized during a Military Band Concert that the poppy is more than just a flower; it represents sacrifice, resilience, and hope, tracing its origins back to the First World War in 1918.
The red poppy has been used in remembrance day appeals to raise funds for the welfare of veterans and their families. Each poppy symbolizes those who shed their blood and stood firm in challenging times. Brigadier General Adams urged the public and corporate entities to support the needs of veterans by providing equipment and resources to the VAG clinic and helping raise funds to purchase an ambulance.
"Currently, VAG's strength stands at over 20,000 members, with about one-third being widows. VAG also has 113 Gold Coast veterans and widows, with the oldest being 106 years. VAG operates 10 regional and 70 district administrative offices, with plans to open offices in the six new regions," he stated.
The Greater Accra region has the largest concentration of veterans and widows, with 50 percent of members residing there. This was a key reason for establishing the Veterans Clinic at Amasaman to provide health services to veterans. Brigadier General Adams expressed hopes of replicating such clinics in other regions and noted the need for an ambulance to enhance services.
In a fundraising exercise for the ambulance, GAF leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, Chief of Army Staff, and Chief of Air Force Staff, collectively donated GhS 200,000. Additionally, Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Minister for Defence, contributed GhS100,000.
Mr. Genfi, serving as the Special Guest of Honour, highlighted the sacrifices of veterans for peace, freedom, and stability, emphasizing the need to provide them with healthcare, welfare, and dignified living conditions. He mentioned the President's proposal to establish a Veterans Referral Department in all military hospitals across the country to offer prioritized healthcare services to ex-servicemen and women.
Mr. Genfi also called for public education on the significance of the Poppy Appeal, encouraging citizens to understand the physical and psychological scars borne by veterans and to contribute to their welfare.
