The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has paid a goodwill visit to two retired senior servicemen at their residences in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
Lt Gen Agyapong visited former Forces Sergeant Major (FSM), Ex-Chief Warrant Officer Adu Yaw Daniel, and former Academy Sergeant Major (ASM) of the Ghana Military Academy (GMA), Warrant Officer Class One Ali Nakyea Seidu.
The visit formed part of efforts to honour the distinguished service of veterans, assess their welfare, and tap into their institutional experience for the benefit of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF). It also sought to explore ways the Service can continue to support retired personnel.
During the interaction, Ex-CWO Adu Yaw Daniel, who served as Forces Sergeant Major from May 6, 2009, to May 30, 2013, shared insights from his 37 years of service and offered suggestions to strengthen support systems for retirees.
Ex-WOI Ali Nakyea Seidu commended the current leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces for ongoing interventions and urged the Military High Command to prioritise professional excellence through enhanced training, merit-based appointments, and adherence to core values such as integrity and teamwork.
Discussions also focused on key welfare issues, including spousal pensions, the GAF Benevolent Fund, and the GAF Trust Fund.
Addressing these concerns, Lt Gen Agyapong disclosed that the Military High Command has engaged the Armed Forces Council to extend spousal pension payments from three to six months, aimed at easing the financial burden on families during bereavement.
He further announced that support under the Benevolent Fund has been increased from GH¢500 to GH¢10,000 for beneficiaries.
The CDS also highlighted the introduction of the GAF Trust Fund, which will provide immediate financial support of up to GH¢55,000 to the families of deceased personnel, pending the payment of pensions and gratuities.
He added that personnel who sustain injuries and receive compensation will benefit from 30 percent of their assured sum through the fund. Contributors who exit without making a claim will also receive 30 percent of their contributions.
On healthcare, Lt Gen Agyapong noted that the completion of the Afari Military Hospital will improve access to medical services for personnel and veterans, particularly in the middle and northern belts.
In his concluding remarks, the CDS commended the retirees for their distinguished service and encouraged them to pass on the traditions and values of the Armed Forces to younger personnel.
He reaffirmed the Ghana Armed Forces’ commitment to supporting its veterans. Gift items and an undisclosed sum of money were presented to the two ex-servicemen.
In response, the retirees expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as a thoughtful gesture not commonly seen in recent times. They called for sustained efforts to strengthen ties between serving and retired personnel to promote unity and preserve institutional memory.
The CDS was accompanied by the General Officer Commanding Central Command, Brigadier General Albert Sison Ogaja; the Commanding Officer of the 4 Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant Colonel Jenuni Emmanuel Wumbeidow; and other staff officers.
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Source:
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