Minister for Defence, Dr Edward Omane Boamah, has officially inaugurated the Governing Board of the Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG), at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Defence, Accra.

As part of the event, the Minister presented a cheque of One Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Two Thousand Ghana Cedis (GH¢1,452,000.00) to support the operations and welfare initiatives of the Administration.

The 12-member Board is chaired by Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (Rtd) and comprises a blend of retired senior military officers and former warrant officers. The members include Air Commodore Thomas Niifio Okai, Brigadier General Charles Gbekle, Brigadier General Seidu Mumuni (Rtd), Brigadier General Nicholas Kwami Kporku (Rtd), Colonel John Wilberforce Kweku Asabre (Rtd), Group Captain Seth Fianya (Rtd), Major Christine Naa Adoley Oko (Rtd), Captain John Kwame Jabari (Rtd), and Ex-Warrant Officers Class One William Koku Akpakli, Moses Amoah Nyarko, and Abukari Issaka. Each member took the Oath of Office, Oath of Secrecy, and Oath of Allegiance during the ceremony.

Delivering his remarks on behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, President John Mahama, the Minister congratulated the Board on their appointment and reaffirmed the government's trust in their capacity to lead the institution tasked with promoting the welfare of Ghana's ex-servicemen and women.

He praised veterans for their dedication and bravery in serving both at home and on international peacekeeping missions.

Dr Boamah highlighted the persistent challenges veterans face after retirement, including access to quality healthcare, delayed pensions, and financial constraints.

He assured the Board of the governments commitment to solving these issues through enhanced healthcare delivery, financial support systems, employment pathways, and better recognition of veterans contributions to national development.

The Minister also urged the new Board to go beyond traditional governance roles by becoming champions of veteran welfare. He encouraged innovation, stronger partnerships with the private sector, and collaboration with the Ministry of Defence to implement effective programmes that support veterans and the families of fallen soldiers.

In his response, Rear Admiral Peter Kofi Faidoo (Rtd) expressed the Boards appreciation to the President and the Minister for the confidence placed in them.

He pledged the Boards dedication to delivering on its mandate with diligence and professionalism, while prioritising the well-being of veterans and preserving the legacy of Ghana's service men and women.