Veep advocates purchase of red poppy

Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, has appealed to Ghanaians to purchase the red poppy normally sold in commemoration of Veterans Day in support of ex-service personnel.

He said the red poppy day which has been slated for November 11, needs to be patronised by Ghanaians as it is a symbol of peaceful coexistence, as well as celebrating those who lost their lives as a result of peacekeeping duties.

In a speech read on his behalf at the Military Band Concert and the launch of 2015 Poppy Appeal in Accra, Mr Amissah-Arthur urged all to use the occasion to reflect on the need to promote peace around the world.

He said war promotes retrogression and it behooves everybody to wage a campaign against it.

Colonel Chris Nutakor (Retired), Executive Director, Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG), explained that the poppy stands for all those who lost their lives in the first and second world wars, including those who lost their lives in conflicts.

"The sale of the poppy is therefore meant to support our unfortunate relations who in the course of duty get maimed or incapacitated and in some cases die and left their families in desperation," he said.

He said VAG is mandated by law to run the affairs of all ex-service men in the country and currently taken care of three legion villages located in Accra, Kumasi and Yendi.

He said the money to be accrued from the sale of the poppy would be used in support of the welfare of inmates at the villages, who many of them are disable, destitute and old.

Col Nutakor said the purchase and wearing of the poppy gives practical help and companionship to ex-service personnel and serving soldiers who are victims in pursuit of peace.

"I therefore invite corporate Ghana and all individuals to join VAG celebrate this year's Poppy Day," he said.

Source: GNA