Accra, April 23, GNA - The Veteran Association of Ghana (VAG) has appealed to the government to ensure that pensions of members were paid through the Forces Pay Office of the Defence Ministry to avoid undue delay.

The Greater Accra Regional Chairman of VAG, Ex-Warrant Officer Class One Akuminafoe Quarmyne, who made the appeal explained that the current system under which their allowances were paid through the Controller and Accountant Generals Department was causing lots of discomforts to members.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Santa Maria/ Sowutuom branch of the Association in Accra, WO1 Quarmyne said as British veteran subjects, they deserved to receive such allowances through the Forces Pay Office in their country as their counterparts in Nigeria, England, Germany and Canada did.

He said the veterans of the military, which had rendered useful service to the nation featured prominently in the history of the Ghana Armed Forces and that particular care needed to be given to such ex-servicemen.

"This is because the military profession entails a lot of risks with maximum sacrifice of one's life, just to ensure that the national interest are protected", he stressed. He advised the 50 members of the new branch, which has five executives and three honorary members to be committed to the Association to ensure its quick growth so they could compliment the work of the National VAG Secretariat.

WO 1 Philip Sackey, Chairman of the Branch said at present, the biggest challenge of the branch was how to get financial resources to execute its programmes and urged the members to help mobilise resources for their common good.

He appealed to all members to unite and sacrifice to ensure the success of the Association, which ultimately, would ensure that their welfare was improved.

Other executive members of the Branch with its motto, "Love-Unity" are Peter Mensah, Vice Chairman; Stephen Owusu, Secretary; Samuel Amoah Financial Secretary, Richard Oppong-Boahen, Organiser and the Reverend Jonathan Osei Darko, Nana Boanyo Kontokyi and Mr S. S. Agyei are the honorary members. 23 April, 05