President Mahama leads 81st Remembrance Day commemoration at Christiansborg War Cemetery

President John Dramani Mahama has led Ghana’s 81st Annual Remembrance Day commemoration at the Christiansborg War Cemetery in Osu, Accra, in honour of soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars and other military engagements in the cause of peace and security.

The solemn ceremony, held on Wednesday, brought together veterans, serving military personnel, government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional authorities and representatives of the security services to remember the sacrifices of fallen servicemen and women and recognise the contributions of living veterans.

President Mahama, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, laid a wreath on behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, reaffirming the nation’s gratitude to those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of their country and humanity.

The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg, laid a wreath on behalf of the Commonwealth and Allied countries, while Sierra Leone’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Mohammed Hassan, represented the diplomatic community.

The Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, laid a wreath on behalf of the Ghana Armed Forces, while the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Veterans Administration, Ghana, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (Rtd), laid one on behalf of veterans.

Traditional authorities were also represented at the ceremony, with Nii Shippi Akwetey Atsu IV, representing the Osu Alata Mantse, Nii Kwabena Bonne V, laying a wreath on behalf of traditional rulers.

Following the wreath-laying ceremony, President Mahama and other participants observed a minute’s silence in memory of the fallen soldiers. The President also signed the Book of Remembrance, an act that reaffirmed the country’s commitment to preserving the memory of those whose sacrifices helped shape the freedoms and peace enjoyed today.

The religious service formed an important part of the annual observance, providing an opportunity for reflection on the human cost of war and the responsibility of present generations to sustain peace.

Delivering the sermon, the Director of Naval Religious Affairs, Very Reverend David Benedict Quayson, commended veterans for their courage and bravery in the line of duty.

He also urged personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces to remain committed to promoting peace in Ghana and across the world, reinforcing the message that the sacrifices being remembered should inspire continued service to humanity and the protection of peace.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister for Defence, Kenneth Gilbert Adjei; members of the Council of State; the Military High Command; heads of sister security services; members of the Diplomatic Corps; and representatives of the Veterans Administration, Ghana.

Remembrance Day is observed annually on November 11 to honour military personnel who died in armed conflicts, particularly the two World Wars. The date marks the signing of the Armistice that brought fighting in the First World War to an end on November 11, 1918.

The annual observance is also an occasion to recognise the service of veterans and reflect on the values of courage, patriotism, sacrifice and international cooperation. It reminds the nation that the pursuit of peace requires commitment not only from the armed forces but also from governments, communities and citizens.

The annual Remembrance Day service therefore provides an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of both Ghanaian and Allied servicemen and women to the broader struggle for peace and security.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD