Veterans need our attention

February 28 has over the years been observed as Veterans Day to recognise the role of veterans in Ghana’s independence struggle. The February 28, 1948 shooting at the Christianborg Crossroads is marked in memory of three defenceless ex-servicemen – Sergeant Adjetey, Corporal Patrick Attipoe and Private Odartey Lamptey – who were gunned down by the colonial police while they were marching peacefully to the Christianborg Castle to present a petition to the governor.

The shooting sparked nationalists’ agitation that spread like wild harmattan fire, laying the foundation for increased activism for the independence of the Gold Coast.

Although the day is observed annually, very little has been done by successive governments to address the plight of the veterans who sacrificed for the liberation of the country and in some cases paid the ultimate price.

We always say any country that does not recognise its heroes is not worth dying for, but it appears that as a nation we have done very little to acknowledge the contribution of every Tom, Dick and Harry to nation building.

The deplorable conditions under which surviving veterans live, especially at the Legion Village near Amasaman, is unacceptable and we expect the government to do something about the situation as soon as possible.

Ghana gears up for 60 years of nationhood next Monday and the Diamond Jubilee should offer us the opportunity to recognise all those who contributed towards the present level of development in the country.

The Daily Graphic is encouraged that we started the celebration with a wreath-laying ceremony last Monday, to be climaxed with a parade of the security services and schoolchildren next Monday.

We suggest that while we implement the elaborate Jubilee programme, some thought and resources will be spared for a project to uplift the present resting places of the three ex-servicemen who sacrificed their lives for Ghana’s independence.

The Daily Graphic thinks it is not enough to observe February 28 — the government should put up bigger monuments in memory of the three ex-servicemen.

We are happy the government has allocated some money to take care of the welfare of the veterans. It is a good beginning, but we think more ought to be done to settle these veterans into more meaningful retirement.

It is also about time the government acted on the early payment of pensions to retired soldiers as they join the veterans after their discharge from the military.

This is one issue that is causing headache for a number of retired soldiers who find it difficult to eke out a living when the government delays in paying their pensions.

We owe the veterans a debt of gratitude, as their fortitude and courage laid the foundation for what we are today, a beacon of hope on a continent bedevilled by bad governance and its attendant challenges of poverty, disease and ignorance.

The Daily Graphic salutes all veterans on the occasion of the anniversary of the 28th February shooting and call on the government to step up its support for veterans and all those who contributed to our independence.