95-year-old soldier donates to frontline health workers

Former Warrant Officer (WOI) Joseph Ashitey Hammond, 95, a member of the Ghana Veterans Administration, presented boxes of disposable masks, hand sanitizer and clean water to frontline health workers on Monday. line in the country.

The articles, donated by the Ministry of Health, are intended to protect health workers who play a crucial role at the forefront of the fight against Covid-19.

WOI Hammond raised money to procure the items, walking two miles a day for seven days, to help fight respiratory disease.

He said he believed these articles would go a long way in complementing the efforts of government, private entities and others who had contributed in various ways to the fight against Covid-19.

WOI Hammond, a Ghanaian World War II veteran, said he was inspired to do something for his country, just as he was inspired years ago to join the Burma Campaign, which was a series of battles fought for the British Empire and the Gold Coast and better conditions. service for veterans.
Veterans are members of the military who have retired honorably and responsibly.

“I thank God for allowing me to tell my story and contribute my quota during this difficult time of Covid-19 to the nation,” he added.

The veteran on duty called on everyone to develop a sense of patriotism for the country and to do something willingly to support her in “this critical time.”

“If you have so many degrees and you do nothing for your country, you have missed the mark. What inspired me to travel to Burma to wage the war with assiduity and ferocity is the same spirit that inspired me to embark on this march to achieve my goal.

“I advise everyone to die for your country not because of money or anything and if we can all do that then our country will have a bright future,” he said.

VAG Executive Director Captain Ben Duah (Rtd) said he was excited about the conduct of ex WOI Ashitey, especially as the president reintroduced some restrictions following the second wave of the pandemic .

He said it was for Mr. Ashitey’s patriotism for his country in the line of duty that earned him promotion to the rank of WOI (Class One Warrant Officer), from a private soldier.

“This is the first time that a private soldier has been promoted to the rank of Class 1 Warrant Officer. It has never happened in the history of this nation and it shows his commitment to help this nation have a future. better, ”he said.

Captain Duah has advised members of the public, especially health workers, to strictly take maximum precautions in adhering to Covid-19 safety protocols for the welfare of all.

The Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Health, Mr. Kwabena Oku-Afari, who received the articles, expressed his deep gratitude and satisfaction for the gesture of the oldest veteran.

“An almost 96 year old man walking two kilometers a day to raise money to support his nation is something we should all applaud, because some of us when we walk even for 10 minutes we will start to complain. “, did he declare.

The acting chief director said the gesture was a great symbol that should be emulated by all, especially young people.

He said ex WOI Ashitey was thinking about the welfare of frontline health workers because he was also once at the forefront of a global fight and prayed for God’s blessings for him for a longer quality life.