Ex-Private Eric Akoi Agyemfra
The Veteran Administration, Ghana (VAG) joined family members and well-wishers of Eric Akoi Agyemfra, World War II veteran, to celebrate his centenary and tremendous contribution to the nation.
The event was held last Saturday in Accra and witnessed the gathering of relatives and acquaintances of the veteran, all clad in white, to celebrate him as one of the few surviving World War II veterans in the country.
A cheque of GH¢5,000 and a birthday cake were presented on behalf of the Managing Director (MD) of GCB Bank PLC, Farihan Alhassan, to Ex-Private Eric Akoi Agyemfra for his contribution and loyalty to the bank.
Additionally, VAG also presented him with a citation of honour for his contribution to the association. Part of the citation reads: “On retirement, he selflessly involved himself in some social activities of VAG whenever invited. Even at the age of 100, he still responded to an invitation to participate in a Commonwealth Graves Commission programme on Thursday, May 8, 2025 to represent VAG alongside four other veterans. VAG finds his commitment to duty worth honouring.”
Solomon Agyemfra, who spoke on behalf of the family, expressed gratitude for the honour, particularly to the GCB Bank, pledging that the cash donation in coming years will be used as seed capital to set up a foundation in honour of the veteran, saying, “this capital will be used to empower the youth in his town to help them become meaningful persons in society.”
Ex-Private Eric Akoi Agyemfra, who was 100 years and five days old on Saturday, May 10, 2025, was born on May 5, 1925. He was enlisted into the Gold Coast Regiment on July 23, 1945 as an Electrician GP ‘B’C1. He loyally discharged his duties to the admiration of his commanders, who described his conduct in his discharge book upon his exit from the military as Very Good.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke