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Photos: Forces Help Ghana comes to the aid of veteran soldiers

Published

10 years ago

April 15, 2014

VJ Scaro

Forces Help Ghana founders with Lt. Col. Ben Richards the Defends Attaché at the British High Commission of Ghana.

Forces Help Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organization seeking to assist, create awareness and encourage the general public on the need to support the welfare of war veterans and other retired army officials, has been officially launched in Ghana, following its establishment in 2013. Forces Help Ghana was founded by two young Ghanaians, Derrick Cobbinah and Solomon Kweku – both serving in the British army for the past ten years. They decided to set up the organization after realizing the need for veterans and their families to be given an equal attention and opportunity for better live after service just as their colleagues in Britain, USA and other parts of the world.

The official launch organised by Patty’s Entertainment saw over 150 ex-military service personnel and government officials at the Veteran Association of Ghana (VAG) club house in Accra. The event was attended by dignitaries such as Brig.-Gen. Joseph Nunoo Mensah, Major Gen. Obed Acquah from Kofi Annan International Peace keeping Centre, Capt. Kwadwo Kumson the C.O.O of UT Bank, Air Commander Opunpuni and the guest of honour Lt. Col. Ben Richards the Defends Attaché at the British High Commission of Ghana. Lt. Col. Ben Richards in his acceptance speech commended Forces Help Ghana and noted that they need the support of Ghanaians and foreign donors to proceed with the project. He further noted that, August 2014 marks the 100^th Anniversary of the first World War, thus the launch Forces Help Ghana was timely.

Derrick Cobbinah commented: “This year marks 100 years of the First World War, other countries take great pride in honoring their veterans. What prevents us from doing same? This is part of the reasons why we created Forces Help Ghana. We are here to create awareness and cater for the welfare of the veteran soldiers – especially regarding a comprehensive health care for our veterans. There are over 1, 500 Ghanaians in the British army and over 3000 in the US Army and so there is the need for all to come on board and assist Forces Help Ghana in achieving its vision.”

Mr Cobbinah lamented government’s assistance to veterans saying it is woefully inadequate. He said Forces Help Ghana will compliment government’s efforts to help improve the living standard of Ghanaian veterans. The first course of action for Fprces Help Ghana, according to Cobbinah, is to adopt and renovate the Amasaman Legion village, which is among the ten Legion villages in the country.

A video documentary titled “Burma My Father and The Forgotten Army” which depicts how the World War I & II were fought; and the involvement of Ghanaian soldiers, was shown to guests. Copies are available on sale at the VAG headquarters, and proceeds from sales will go towards the welfare of members. The anchor behind the founders, Capt. Kwadwo Kumson the C.O.O of UT Bank and Major Gen. Obed Acquah from Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping Centre pledged GH¢1,000.00 each and raised over GH¢15,000.00 to support the cause.

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