The Ghana Navy held its 10th Memorial Day Parade in honour of its fallen heroes on Thursday 14 September 2023 at the Western Naval Command, Sekondi.
The commemorative parade held annually, marks the bombardment of Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) YOGAGA 33 years ago during the civil war in Liberia which claimed the lives of some Officers and Ratings of the Ghana Navy.
The Guest of Honour for the occasion, the Western Regional Minister, Hon Dr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah said the period reminded them of the dearly departed souls who left their families and loved ones and sailed to Liberia in the pursuit of peace and security.
The Minister emphasised that, till eternity, they must remember and honour the memories of the gallant Officers and Ratings to inspire them and keep the values of selflessness, loyalty and integrity which underpin the noble profession of arms, which the fallen heroes lived by and died for.
Hon Okyere Darko-Mensah pledged the Government of Ghana’s continued support for uniform personnel in the area of logistics and equipment necessary for the discharge of their duties to the state. He asked the Almighty to grant the souls of the departed heroes eternal rest.
In a speech delivered on behalf of the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo said the Memorial Parade serves as an opportunity to solemnly reflect on the sacrifices made by the fallen heroes in the interest of peace and freedom and used the opportunity to console their families.
He noted that, the survivors of the incident on 14 September 1990 also deserve to be honoured because of the sacrifices made in carrying the burden of loosing a ship with their comrades onboard.
The FOC Western Naval Command stressed that the greatest sacrifice was to protect the freedom of others at the expense of their own lives hence urged Officers and Ratings to serve to inspire present and future generations.
Four wreaths were laid on behalf of the Government and People of Ghana, personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces, Retired personnel of the Ghana Navy and the fallen heroes.
Rear Admiral Arthur Riby Sampa Nunoo, Former CNS and the then Captain of GNS YOGAGA, the Paramount Chief of Essikado Traditional area, Nana Kobena Nketia IV, FOC Naval and Logistics Command, Commodore Wayo, FOC Eastern Naval Command, Commodore Maxwell Arhin, Representatives of sister security services and other dignitaries were present.
