As we wear the poppy, let us remember their sacrifice and honour the living veterans
Kwaku Duah, Founder and President of Sweet Bo Association, Veterans Advocacy Organization-Ghana
Kwaku Duah, Founder and President of Sweet Bo Association, a veteran advocacy organization, extends his heartfelt greetings to all members of the Association, both in Ghana and abroad, as well as to all military veterans, serving personnel, bereaved families and the wider Ghanaian public, as we commemorate Remembrance Day on 11 November 2026.
On this solemn occasion, we honour the brave men and women who served with courage, discipline, loyalty and sacrifice.
We remember those who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty, those who returned bearing visible and invisible wounds, and those who continue to live with the lasting consequences of military service.
The poppy we proudly wear is more than a flower. It is a symbol of remembrance, sacrifice, gratitude and our enduring responsibility to those who served.
As veterans, we understand that military service is not merely a profession.
It is a lifelong commitment to duty, country and humanity. Many of our colleagues served in difficult operational environments, defended national sovereignty, contributed to international peacekeeping missions and sacrificed precious moments with their families in the service of peace.
Some never returned. Others returned with injuries, disabilities and memories that continue to shape their lives. We owe them more than ceremonial recognition.
REMEMBRANCE MUST GO BEYOND THE CEREMONY
As we bow our heads in remembrance, we must equally reflect on the welfare and dignity of the veterans who are still among us.
There can be no meaningful remembrance without a genuine commitment to the wellbeing of those who survived the battlefield.
Many veterans continue to face challenges relating to healthcare, retirement benefits, pensions, gratuities, accommodation and social reintegration.
In Ghana, concerns surrounding the implementation of C.I. 129 and the fair computation of retirement entitlements remind us that honouring military service must also involve ensuring fairness, transparency and respect for the lawful rights of retired personnel.
While recognising that aspects of these matters remain before the courts, we respectfully encourage all responsible institutions to continue working towards lawful, fair and lasting solutions.
A nation that remembers its fallen heroes must never forget its living veterans.
A MESSAGE TO OUR MEMBERS IN GHANA AND ABROAD.
To every member of Sweet Bo Association, wherever you may be, I encourage you to wear your poppy with pride, humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
Let this Remembrance Day strengthen our unity, renew our commitment to one another and inspire us to support our colleagues who may be facing difficult circumstances.
To our members in the diaspora, distance does not diminish our shared history, our comradeship or our responsibility towards the veteran community in Ghana.
To the families of our departed colleagues, we acknowledge your sacrifices and assure you that the service and memory of your loved ones will never be forgotten.
To our serving brothers and sisters in uniform, we salute your continued dedication to protecting Ghana’s sovereignty, security and peace.
OUR COMMITMENT AS SWEET BO ASSOCIATION
Sweet Bo Association remains committed to promoting the dignity, welfare, unity and legitimate interests of retired military personnel.
We believe that retirement should mark the beginning of another meaningful chapter of life, not the end of recognition, respect or institutional support.
We therefore call upon government institutions, Veterans Administration Ghana, civil society, corporate organisations and the general public to strengthen their support for veterans, particularly the aged, sick, disabled and economically vulnerable.
THE VETERAN magazine, the forthcoming publication of Sweet Bo Association, will be released soon.
It will contribute to veterans’ advocacy by providing a platform for veterans’ voices, sharing their experiences, raising awareness of their welfare and entitlements, and encouraging informed public discussion on issues affecting veterans and their families.
THE VETERAN — Coming Soon:
A publication of Sweet Bo Association, giving veterans a voice and advancing their welfare and advocacy.
As we observe this year’s Remembrance Day, let us transform remembrance into meaningful action through compassion, advocacy, solidarity and service.
Let us wear the poppy not merely as a tradition, but as a promise: a promise never to forget the fallen; a promise to stand beside the living; a promise to support the families left behind; and a promise to preserve the honour and dignity of military service for generations to come.
On behalf of the leadership and entire membership of Sweet Bo Association, I wish all veterans, serving personnel and their families a peaceful and meaningful
Official Remembrance Day Message, 11 November 2026
Remembrance Day.
We Will Remember Them. Lest We Forget.
Honour in Retirement, Service Forever.
Kwaku Duah, MA, BA, Dip.
Founder and President, Sweet Bo Association
Veterans’ Advocate | National Security & Veterans’ Affairs Analyst
Issued: 11 November 2026 | Accra, Ghana
