The Minister for Defence, Dr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei, has launched the 2026 Poppy Appeal with a call on Ghanaians to support the welfare of veterans.
Launching the appeal at the VAG Club House on Friday, October 2, 2026, Dr. Adjei said the Poppy Appeal should not be seen merely as fundraising but as a national expression of gratitude to men and women who served, sacrificed and suffered for Ghana.
“The poppy is a simple flower, but it carries a powerful message. It represents remembrance, sacrifice, service and gratitude,” he said.
He said the 2026 appeal is significant because the generation of pre-independence veterans is rapidly disappearing, with only a few remaining.
He described them as a living bridge between Ghana’s colonial military history, independence and the modern Ghana Armed Forces.
Dr. Adjei recalled the difficult conditions of Ghanaian soldiers in the Burma campaign during the Second World War and said the nation must ensure the remaining veterans live with dignity.
“We cannot wait until the last pre-independence veteran is gone before we fully appreciate what their generation gave to us,” he said.
He said funds from the appeal will support healthcare, medication, welfare and infrastructure through the Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG), and appealed to corporate Ghana, financial institutions, traditional leaders, MPs, MMDAs and individuals to contribute.
The Executive Director of VAG, Brig Gen Seidu Mumuni Adams (Rtd), appealed for support to establish district offices for veterans and their widows and widowers, noting that VAG currently operates in 10 regions with 72 districts but lacks adequate infrastructure.
A Daily Guide Report