Parliament stresses well-being of veterans

Centre Spread, Nov 12, 2010
Story: Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah
MEMBERS of Parliament have called for measures to ensure the well-being of veteran soldiers who fought for the building of the country.
Contributing to two statements to commemorate this year’s Remembrance Day, the MPs stressed that since “a country which does not recognise its heroes is not worth dying for”, it was important to take proper care of the veterans to encourage the current generation to work for the growth of the country.
In his statement, the MP for Nkoranza North, Major Derrick Oduro (rtd), said, “It is important to state that the day should not only be a remembrance day for those who lost their lives during the First World War, but also a day that recognises our servicemen, women and civilians who lost their lives during peacekeeping operations elsewhere”.
Ghanaian security agencies, according to the MP, had exhibited high professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duties, particularly during peacekeeping missions, and had, as a result, won for the country high international recognition over the years.
Major Oduro called on the leadership of the country to work diligently towards the promotion of peace and development as a way of showing their appreciation towards the ex-servicemen who laid down their lives for the country.
He also called on the government to consider instituting a special fund for retired officers and ex-servicemen in order to address their plight.
In another statement to commemorate the day, the MP for Ho Central, Capt. George Nfodjo (retd), said it was unfortunate that only stipends were paid to ex-servicemen, which was woefully inadequate.
“These are former para-jumpers who now have knee and stability problems and are wheel-chair-bound,” he said and questioned whether they could still depend on such stipends.
The First Deputy Speaker, Mr Edward Doe Adjaho, advised the two statement makers to liaise with the leadership of the legislative body to ensure that some monies were collected from the MPs to be donated to the ex-servicemen as an example for others to emulate.