British Veterans Donate Hearse To Ghanaian Counterparts

Lt Col Simon Westlake Defence Attache at the British High Commission making the presentation on behalf of the British veterans as other officials of VAG look on

The Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) UK, a body comprising ex-service men and women in the UK, has presented a brand new hearse to the Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG).

RCEL made the promise to replace the hearse it donated to VAG a few years ago, following a visit last year by the governing Board Chairman of VAG, Cdre Obimpeh; the late Executive Director, Col Chris Nutakor and Director of Administration, Capt George Biezui.

The delegation, which was on its way from World Veterans Federation conference in Poland, told RCEL that their hearse was old.

RCEL subsequently sent money to VAG for the purchase of a new hearse. VAG, however, placed order for the hearse from the manufacturers in Japan.

In a press release issued by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of VAG, Ex WO1 Bright Segbefia, the key to the hearse estimated at GHC114, 000.00 (about $30,000.00) was handed over to Cdre Steve Obimpeh (Rtd) by the Defence Attaché (DA) to the British High Commission, Lt Col Simon Westlake at a brief ceremony at the national headquarters of VAG in Accra.

On behalf of RCEL, Lt Col Westlake said he was proud of the feat chalked by Ghanaian veterans, particularly those who took part in WWII.

He added that the donation was a sign of continuing excellent relationship between RCEL and VAG.

According to the release, Cdre Obimpeh, on behalf of management and the entire administration, expressed profound gratitude to RCEL, saying that the bilateral relationship between the two bodies dates back to the era of Ghana Legion.

The PRO said Cdre Obimpeh recounted some assistance that has over the years come to VAG from RCEL.

He cited the construction of an amenity centre at the Amasaman Legion Village in Accra, completion of water reservoir project at the same village, offering of annual grants to blind veterans.

Cdre Obimpeh disclosed that the rate at which veterans are passing on has increased the demand for hearse by bereaved families of veterans since VAG heavily subsidises hearse services for members.

The board chairman said ideally each regional branch of VAG should have a hearse to take care of the 104 administrative districts across the country, but financial difficulties facing VAG would not make that a possibility.

Cdre Obimpeh, therefore, expressed the hope that future help from RCEL would cater for other regions as well.

He told the DA that it was regrettable that the body of Col Nutakor, who was active in the getting of the new hearse, should be the first to be conveyed in the hearse.

 

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