The 12 Mechanised Infantry Battalion has held its first-ever Veterans Remembrance Day Parade in Sandema, with the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Solomon Akogti, describing the occasion as a historic milestone in preserving the area’s military heritage and honouring the sacrifices of its heroes.
The parade, held on November 11, 2026, brought together traditional authorities, security personnel, veterans and other stakeholders to commemorate the contributions of Ghanaians who served and sacrificed for the country.
Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Akogti said the maiden parade marked an important step towards restoring historical memories, renewing respect for veterans and strengthening the identity of the Builsa people.
He said the cenotaph in Sandema was originally erected in honour of Builsa natives who served in the Royal West African Frontier Force (RWAFF) during the First and Second World Wars.
According to him, the brave soldiers, drawn from communities including Wiaga, Chuchuliga, Kadema and Siniensi, distinguished themselves through courage, endurance and loyalty during the various military campaigns.
Akogti noted that the contributions of the ex-servicemen extended beyond the battlefields, explaining that their experiences abroad helped shape their consciousness and strengthened their resolve to fight for freedom and independence upon their return to the Gold Coast.
He recalled that the shooting of ex-servicemen at the Christiansborg Crossroads on February 28, 1948, became a defining moment in Ghana’s independence struggle.
“The spirit of that sacrifice is the same spirit that lives in the sons of Builsa we honour today. They fought for the British Empire, but they laid the foundation for Ghana’s freedom today,” he said.
The MCE stressed that the annual commemoration should extend beyond fallen soldiers of the World Wars to recognise every Ghanaian who has made sacrifices towards national development.
He cited military personnel who died during peacekeeping operations, police officers who lost their lives in the line of duty, farmers, teachers, health workers and ordinary citizens whose contributions continue to sustain the country.
Akogti also paid tribute to the Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Lawrence Kwaku Gbetanu, for single-handedly financing the renovation and restoration of the Sandema cenotaph.
He described the gesture as an act of patriotism and commitment to heritage, saying it demonstrated the importance of remembering one’s roots despite attaining high positions in national service.
He further called for the institutionalisation of the annual parade, expressing the hope that residents would gather at the cenotaph every November 11 to honour fallen heroes and educate younger generations about the history and sacrifices of the RWAFF veterans.
The MCE thanked the Overlord of the Builsa Traditional Council, Naab Azagsuk Azantilow, the Sandema Traditional Council, the Municipal Assembly, the 12 Mechanised Battalion, the Veterans Association of Ghana, security agencies, teachers, students and other stakeholders for supporting the maiden event.
He assured veterans present that their sacrifices would remain valued, urging residents to sustain the culture of honouring those who had served the country.
By Castro Senyalah
