Veterans Association of Ghana to be restructured

The Veterans Association of Ghana (VAG) is to change its name to Veterans Administration, Ghana, with the passage of the VAG Bill, which has reached the consideration stage in Parliament.

When the bill is passed into law, VAG would be an agency under the Ministry of Defence and no more a voluntary association.

Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing, disclosed these at the 66th Remembrance Day and Band Concert to launch 2011 Poppy appeal fund, held in Accra on Friday.

The poppy appeal fund involves the sale of poppy and its proceeds used to enhance the welfare of the gallant soldiers, who served in the Royal West Africa Frontiers during the First and Second World Wars.

Mr Bagbin said when passed, the law would make the administration of VAG the responsibility of the State, noting that “The self-sacrifice, gallantly and patriotism of our war veterans have not indeed been in vain as we now live in relatively free and safe world dominated by the practice of democracy “.

He said government was concentrating its energies on the veterans for good reasons, and it was sensitising the citizenry about the laudable role the military play to pursue peace for humankind both at home and abroad.

Mr Bagbin said under the new proposed VAG administration,   retired military officers and other ranks would be automatic members of VAG.

“Government is of the view that it is through this means that the welfare requirement of the veterans can be properly attended to meanwhile the budgetary requirement of the administration will also be given due consideration in Parliament,” he said.

The event was attended by both serving and retired staff of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF)  and the GAF Central Band, Garrison Methodist and Presbyterian Church Choir treated the audience to soul lifting and songs.

Source: GNA