Bolgatanga, Nov. 12, GNA - Security Agencies in the Upper East Region held a colourful parade on Thursday to mark the 65th anniversary of Veterans Day at Bolgatanga, in remembrance of fallen heroes of the two World Wars. The parade included personnel of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Fire Service, the Customs division of the Ghana Revenue Authority and the Ghana Immigration services.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional Minister, noted that the history of Ghana could not be complete without mentioning the gallantry shown by the fallen heroes who fought in the world wars and sacrificed their lives for the attainment of Ghana's independence. Mr. Woyongo said Ghanaian troops who had excelled in international peace- keeping operations had emulated their forebears and would continue to do so. "It is therefore no wonder that the Ghana armed forces is internationally recognised for its high standard and professionalism", he added.

He mentioned that the country could only achieve its goals if it considered national integrity as an essential component of the developmental effort.

The Regional Minister gave the assurance that Government would reorganise the enormity of the contributions of ex-service men and war veterans to the development of the country and that Government was instituting measures to make their lives more comfortable. He urged the ex-service men to take advantage of the numerous poverty reduction interventions instituted by Government to improve their living conditions.

Mr. Woyongo asked the ex-service men to practice good health habits to enable them to live longer so that the younger generations could tap the rich experience they had acquired.

Ex-Warrant Officer Class 1, (WO1) Mustapha Ayetey Kutana, Chairman of the Regional Veterans Association, called on Government to help ex-service men to resettle properly at the end of their service.

He said it was the final resettlement package that would encourage people to serve better in the security services.

The Regional Minister laid a wreath on behalf of the Government, while the Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Bright Oduro, laid one for the security services. Mr. Stephen Abodein laid one on behalf of the "Tendanas" or traditional authority, while the Chairman of the Region's Veterans Association laid one for the fallen heroes. 12 Nov. 10