On Tuesday November 1 2016, on behalf of the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League (RCEL) based in the United Kingdom, the UK’s Defence Advisor to Ghana, Lt Col Simon Westlake RM, was extremely proud to be able to hand over to Commodore Obimpeh (Retired) of the Veterans Administration of Ghana (VAG), a new hearse.

In his speech, Lt Col Westlake expressed the pride the UK continues to hold for Ghanaian veterans of both historical and contemporary conflicts, noting especially the contribution and sacrifice made by those who fought during the Second World War.

The new hearse has been donated to replace an older version, which had also been donated by the RCEL. Commodore Obimpeh expressed his appreciation for this donation, and also commented on the increasing numbers of veterans who were now sadly passing, including the VAG’s own late Executive Director Lt Col Chris Nutakor who would regrettably be the first to be conveyed in the new hearse.

The Commodore also noted that this donation was a sign of the continuing historic relationship between the RCEL and the VAG. The ceremony was conducted at a very fitting time, as 11th November nears, when both the UK and Ghana will mark the sacrifices made by our service personnel and their families across numerous conflicts.

This donation and ceremony therefore provided a timely reminder of the strong historic defense relationship between the UK and Ghana, which continues to this day.