One of Britain’s most decorated serving soldiers, WO2 Johnson Beharry VC, is scheduled for a courtesy visit to Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, in April on his maiden visit to Ghana to reconnect with his ancestral roots.
A statement issued to announce the visit said it was ‘a deeply personal journey’ and ‘a profoundly symbolic moment’.
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“A descendant of enslaved Africans, now a recipient of the Victoria Cross – the United Kingdom’s highest military honour – returning to the land his ancestors were taken from and being formally received by one of Africa’s most revered traditional monarchs.”
As part of the visit, he will spend time at Cape Coast Castle and Elmina historic slave forts.
At the Manhyia Palace, there will be a ‘traditional court ceremony’ to receive him, the statement noted.
Speaking ahead of the visit, WO2 Beharry said, “I am immensely proud of my service to Britain. Visiting Ghana will be about understanding more of my heritage and paying respect to those who came before me. It is a deeply personal journey.”
Highest Military Honour Decoration
Johnson, in 2025, was awarded the Victoria Cross by the late Majesty the Queen for his conspicuous gallantry and selfless leadership displayed in the preceding year on the war front, where he almost died.
In 2004, during the Iraq War, Johnson Beharry demonstrated extraordinary bravery under sustained enemy fire.
Driving his Warrior armoured vehicle into a devastating ambush, he repeatedly turned back into danger to rescue wounded soldiers.
Days later, during a second attack, a rocket-propelled grenade detonated just inches from his head. Shrapnel tore into his face and brain.
Despite catastrophic injuries, fading consciousness and blood obscuring his vision, he maintained control of the vehicle and drove his men to safety before collapsing.
He spent weeks in a coma and underwent major brain surgery. Doctors were uncertain whether he would survive.
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Source:
opemsuo.com