GHANA NAVY HONOURS ITS FALLEN HEROES

Ghana Navy has held the 11th Memorial Day Service in honour of its fallen heroes on Saturday 14 September 2024 at the ceremonial jetty of the Western Naval Command (WNC), Sekondi.

The day significantly marked the 34th remembrance of the bombing of Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Yogaga during the Liberian civil war in 1990, which claimed the lives of some Officers and ratings.

In his welcome address, the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Western Naval Command, Commodore Emmanuel Ayesu Kwafo said that the day, 14 September, was also set aside each year for Navy personnel to pay tribute to honour other naval personnel who also paid the price with their lives in other peacekeeping operations and in the line of duty.

Commodore Kwafo reminded the gathering of the unity and strength that defined the naval family, noting that the day was to honour those fallen heroes who faced dangers at sea, in the air, and on land, in order that the nation remained peaceful.

 He added that the day reminded them that the freedom enjoyed was not free but had been purchased at a high price. The FOC noted that at the commemoration of their memory, personnel must also renew their pledge to continue the work they began and ensure that their sacrifices were not in vain by committing themselves to the protection of the maritime borders, promotion of peace and stability and defence of the nation.

To the families of the fallen heroes, Cdre Kwafo offered his deepest gratitude, assuring them that their loved ones' service would never be forgotten, and their legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

In his speech, the Guest of Honour, Western Regional Minister and Member of Parliament for the Takoradi constituency, Hon. Dr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah paid tribute to the fallen heroes who answered the call of duty with courage and selflessness, making the ultimate sacrifice to protect the nation's freedom and security.

He noted that as the gathering reflected on the sacrifices of the naval heroes, they were reminded of the immense responsibility that everyone carried. The Minister asserted that the peace and stability enjoyed were built on the foundation of their sacrifice.

“It is everyone’s duty to honour their memory by upholding the principles with which they fought to defend the nation and continue to work tirelessly to secure the nation's maritime borders, protect the people, and contributing to global peace and security,” he stated.

Hon. Dr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah commended the Officers, Ratings and Defence Civilian Staff for their unwavering commitment to the ideals and added that their service was a continuation of the noble work begun by those who have died. He urged them to carry forward their legacy with pride and determination and acknowledged the deep pain of their families for their loss.

The Regional Minister asked the gathering to look to the future with hope and resolve as the day was celebrated and allow the memory of the fallen heroes to inspire them to work towards a world where peace and security prevailed, and where the sacrifices of the service members were not in vain.

Wreaths were laid on behalf of government and the people of Ghana, the Ghana Armed Forces, retired personnel of the Ghana Navy and the families of the fallen heroes.