Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of military veterans, describing their current living conditions as disheartening and unacceptable for men and women who once risked their lives for the nation.
Speaking after his engagement at the Sahel Peace Initiative (SPI) Forum and the inauguration of the 4th Governing Board of the Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG), Dr. Omane Boamah highlighted the deep social, economic, and healthcare challenges facing retired military personnel across the country.
According to him, these events followed an emergency National Security Council meeting chaired by President John Dramani Mahama to address the ongoing Bawku chieftaincy conflict.
“Many of our gallant veterans struggle to access quality healthcare, face financial insecurity, and live in social isolation. It is disheartening to see those who risked their lives for our nation struggle to afford basic necessities”.
Ghana’s Minister for Defence, Dr. Edward Omane Boamah
The Defence Minister acknowledged that for far too long, the sacrifices made by Ghanaian veterans have not been matched with the dignity and care they deserve in retirement.
However, he was quick to assure that under the current administration led by President Mahama, this status quo is set to change through a multi-pronged approach to veterans’ welfare.
Expansion of Access to Quality Healthcare
At the heart of this renewed commitment is an expansion of access to quality healthcare under the Mahama Cares Initiative, a flagship social intervention programme aimed at delivering compassionate and equitable health services.
Dr. Omane Boamah indicated that veterans would be prioritized under the initiative to ensure timely and efficient access to medical treatment across the country.
Financial insecurity, a major hurdle for many veterans, will also be tackled through increased support from proceeds generated by the Defence Industries Holding Company (DIHOC), the commercial wing of the Ghana Armed Forces.
The Minister explained that DIHOC’s revenue streams would be strategically aligned to sustain welfare packages, stipends, and emergency support for eligible veterans.
In addition to health and financial interventions, the government is also focusing on creating post-retirement opportunities for veterans.
Plans are underway to roll out job training and continuing education programs that will equip retired personnel with the skills needed to transition successfully into civilian life.
Dr. Omane Boamah stressed the importance of social reintegration for veterans who often feel cut off from society after years of service.
Moreover, recognition of service and public acknowledgement of sacrifices made by Ghana’s military veterans will become more pronounced.
Transition to Measurable Outcomes
Inaugurating the 4th Governing Board of the Veterans Administration, Ghana, Dr. Omane Boamah charged the new members to work diligently to translate the government’s commitment into measurable outcomes.
He urged them to work with transparency, compassion, and urgency to uplift the conditions of veterans nationwide. He also used the platform to encourage broader national involvement in the process. “Let’s work together to build a system that honours our veterans’ sacrifices,” he said. “
His statement reinforced the Mahama administration’s broader social equity agenda and underlined the role of security sector reform in the government’s development strategy.
As Ghana continues to grapple with regional security challenges, including the Bawku conflict and instability across the Sahel, the Defence Minister maintained that supporting those who once defended the nation is both a moral duty and a strategic imperative.
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