The Upper East Region has commemorated Remembrance Day in Bolgatanga with a call for greater support for retired servicemen and women, particularly in healthcare, housing and social protection.
The ceremony, held on November 11, 2026, brought together veterans, families of fallen soldiers, security personnel, traditional and religious leaders, government representatives and other dignitaries to honour those who lost their lives in the two World Wars and other conflicts.
Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, is observed annually on November 11 to honour military personnel who died in the line of duty.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of the Upper East Regional Minister, the District Chief Executive for Kassena-Nankana West, Stephen Akurugo Aeke, paid tribute to fallen servicemen and women and commended surviving veterans for their service to Ghana and humanity.
He said Ghanaian military personnel had demonstrated courage, discipline and commitment during the two World Wars, subsequent military operations and United Nations peacekeeping missions.
“Today, we remember and honour the brave men and women who paid the ultimate price in the service of their country and humanity,” he said.
Mr Aeke stressed that honouring veterans should go beyond annual ceremonies to include practical interventions that improve their living conditions.
He called for stronger support in healthcare, housing, social protection and livelihood opportunities for retired servicemen and women.
“Our veterans stood for us in times of danger. We must also stand with them in their years of retirement and in time of need,” he emphasised.
He also acknowledged the sacrifices of widows and other family members of veterans, describing their resilience and support as deserving of national recognition.
Turning to security concerns in the Upper East Region, Mr Aeke identified chieftaincy and land disputes, communal tensions and the threat of violent extremism from the wider Sahel region as challenges requiring collective action.
He commended security personnel deployed in Bawku and surrounding communities for their dedication and urged security agencies to strengthen collaboration, intelligence sharing and coordinated operations to protect lives and property.
However, he stressed that security operations must be conducted with professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights and the rule of law.
Mr Aeke further appealed to traditional authorities, religious leaders, political actors, youth groups and community leaders to support peacebuilding efforts and avoid actions that could fuel tensions.
“We must reject violence, inflammatory statements and all actions that threaten peaceful coexistence,” he cautioned.
He urged young people to demonstrate patriotism through responsible citizenship, hard work, discipline and respect for others, while encouraging them to become advocates for peace and development.
Addressing serving security personnel, Mr Aeke reminded them of their responsibility to uphold the values of courage, professionalism and dedication demonstrated by those who served before them.
The commemoration honoured the sacrifices of Ghanaian servicemen and women who served in wars, military operations and peacekeeping missions around the world.
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