The Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG) Clinic located at the Amasaman Legion Village in Accra, is to be placed on the support list of the Ministry of Health (MoH), so as to be receiving the necessary logistics for smooth and effective functioning.
The revelation was made by the Minister for Health, Kwaku Agyeman-Manu, as he launched the 2023 Poppy Appeal at a Military Band concert, at the VAG Club House on 13, October, 2013 in aid of the clinic.
In a release issued by the Public Relations Officer of VAG, Ex WOI Bright Segbefia, the Poppy Appeal Launch is a prelude to the Remembrance Day Parade, aka 11/11, a global spectacle observed on each 11th November, in memory of the numerous souls lost during both the WWI and WWII, explaining that WWII came to an end at 11am of November, hence 11/11.
Though structurally complete, the clinic was yet to be equipped with air conditioners, beds, etc. It is for this reason that this year’s Poppy Appeal is dedicated to equipping the clinic.
The facility, the release continued, which was refurbished by the Administration, from its own resources and funds realised from the previous year’s Poppy Appeal, has all the sections like any standard clinic, with the exception of a Maternity Ward, for obvious reasons.
Mr Agyeman-Manu, in his address, expressed dissatisfaction with the exclusion of a Maternity Ward from the clinic, arguing that though the facility was earmarked to serve military personnel and their families only, looking at its location, it will be patronised by civilians, as well some of whom might require a maternity ward. He, therefore, called on VAG management to, as a matter of necessity, make provision for it.
According to EX WOI Segbefia, though the Minister fell short of making a specific pledge as to the kind of support to expect, he assured VAG of his Ministry’s readiness and willingness to not just provide the relevant equipment, but also to absorb it as one of its responsibilities.
He commended VAG for the initiative, noting that the facility will tremendously ease the ever-increasing pressure on the 37 Military Hospital and appealed for support from all and sundry, but bemoaned the apathy towards the Poppy patronage, the release said.
The Executive Director of VAG, Capt Ben Edmund Duah (Rtd.), said the Red Poppy, which was used to symbolise the end of WWII, continues to be used across the globe to raise funds to support military veterans, including contemporary ones, adding that it is a symbol of peace as well.
The nocturnal programme was attended by the Minister for Defence, Hon Domini Nitiwul, some members of the diplomatic community, service chiefs of the Armed Forces, serving as well as retired military personnel and their spouses, and representatives of other security services.
The Defence Minister, the PRO said, pledged GHC200, 000.00 towards equipping the facility.
Healthcare is a major challenge confronting veterans and their spouses, as the Administration is financially constrained to pay medical refunds. VAG is expecting support from diverse sources to enable it to live up to its statutory obligations.
The management of the 37 Military Hospital, which paid an official visit to the facility under Brig Gen Ayibor, the Commander, has promised to provide resident medical staff including doctors.
