The Ghana Navy has held the 9th Memorial Day Service on Wednesday, 14 September, 2022 at the Ceremonial Jetty of the Western Naval Command (WNC), Sekondi, Takoradi in honour of all Naval Personnel who lost their lives in the course of duty.
In a speech read on his behalf by the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Commodore Samuel Walker, the Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS), Rear Admiral Issah Adam Yakubu noted that, the memorial day was an opportunity for them to solemnly reflect on the sacrifices made by Officers and Ratings who had died in the interest of peace, freedom and national development. He added that, it was important to remind themselves that freedom was not free and not attained at the cost of life or limb.
The CNS posited that the full potential of those heroes may not be known, but they certainly would have impacted positively on the lives of others and society with their skills, knowledge and ideas, hence, the reason to honour them. He said, as they honour their heroes, it was important to also recognize their bereaved families no matter how much time had passed and it was his prayer that the vacuum created by their loss will be filled.
Rear Admiral Yakubu stated that, the greatest sacrifice was protecting the freedom of others at the expense of their own safety. He, therefore, urged them not to rest on their oars, but put their shoulders to the wheel to keep the Ensign flying high.
On his part, the Guest of Honour for the memorial service, the Western Regional Minister, Honourable kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah noted that, he could only fathom what true heroism was when remembering the sacrifices of the departed gallant Officers and Ratings of the Ghana Navy, who left their families and loved ones in the pursuit of international and internal peace and security. He stated that many Officers and Ratings had paid the ultimate price with their lives in peace keeping operations in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo among others as well as some internal conflict ridden areas.
He said it was important that, they remembered their fallen heroes to inspire others to continue to keep faith with the values of selflessness, loyalty, honour and integrity which underpinned the noble profession of arms, and by which those servicemen lived and died for. He pointed out that while they could never pay the debt owed to those who lost their lives defending the nation, they must do everything possible to uphold their commitment to those who put on the uniforms in the defence of the nation.
He assured the Ghana Navy that plans were far advanced to acquire additional platforms for the Navy in support of the tremendous work being done to keep the waters safe and promote the blue economy. It was his prayer that God would continue to inspire the Armed Forces to render selfless sacrifices and service to the nation and humanity.
Four Wreaths were laid on behalf of Government and people of the Republic of Ghana, Personnel of the Ghana Armed Forces, Officers, Ratings and Defence Civilian staff of the Ghana Navy and families of the fallen heroes repectively.
Witnessing the ceremony were the members of the Western Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V among other dignitaries.
