Ghanaian veterans face poor healthcare and inadequate pensions – VAG

The Ghanaian Veterans Administration (VAG) has highlighted the challenges faced by retired military personnel, including poor healthcare, inadequate pensions, and a lack of government financial support. Public Relations Officer Segbefia Bright stated that life is not pleasant for veterans, particularly regarding access to healthcare and the financial support they receive from the government.

At the 37 Military Hospital, which serves as their primary medical facility, veterans receive medication while admitted, but they are responsible for purchasing their prescriptions upon discharge. The pensions provided to retirees are insufficient to cover their medical needs. While Act 844 allows for government subventions, it has been 36 years since the administration received such support.

Segbefia questioned whether the amount was sufficient to support the nearly 24,000 veterans, some of whom have sustained serious injuries and live with age-related illnesses. He advocated for the inclusion of the VAG in the national budget to secure sustainable funding for their welfare programs. The administration has expressed appreciation for government-provided veteran homes in Kumasi, Yendi, and Accra, but these facilities are largely unoccupied due to veterans returning to live with their families.

Segbefia attributed this to the difficulties veterans face in these homes, describing it as embarrassing for families to enjoy comfortable living conditions while their elderly relatives struggle. He also praised President Jerry Rawlings for introducing pension arrangements for retired servicemen but expressed concern that these benefits do not extend to the widows of deceased veterans, a situation also faced by other military widows.

Segbefia emphasized the importance of teaching history in schools to help young people understand the country's past and urged education authorities to reconsider the decision to sideline this subject.