On Remembrance Day, Ghana’s last surviving World War II veteran, Mr. Joseph Ato Osei, made an important call for peace ahead of the upcoming elections in Ghana. His message came at a time when tensions and political rivalries were intensifying in the lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
Mr. Osei, now in his 90s, is one of the few remaining veterans who served in World War II, and his plea is poignant, given his history of sacrifice for the country and for global peace. His call for peace ahead of the elections is significant for a few reasons:
Having fought in one of the most devastating global conflicts in history, Mr. Osei understands the true cost of war and violence. His call for peace serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining social harmony and stability in Ghana, especially during a period when political tension can sometimes threaten to spill over into unrest. As the country approaches elections, the importance of unity and peaceful conduct during the election process becomes critical. The veteran’s plea for peace resonates with many Ghanaians, urging both politicians and the electorate to focus on dialogue and cooperation rather than division or violence. Ghana, like many countries, places significant value on the role of veterans in its national history. Their experiences in wartime are seen as a symbol of sacrifice and commitment to the well-being of the nation. By calling for peace, Mr. Osei represents the collective desire of many veterans and citizens to preserve the hard-won peace and stability that Ghana has enjoyed over the years.
In Ghana’s history, elections have sometimes been marred by violence or tension, and the country has made efforts to improve its democratic processes and strengthen its peace-building mechanisms. The veteran’s message comes as a reminder that the future of Ghana should be defined by peaceful, democratic elections rather than conflict and division.
Mr. Joseph Ato Osei’s message on Remembrance Day is a heartfelt and timely reminder of the value of peace, particularly as the country heads toward another crucial election. His plea underscores the importance of keeping Ghana’s political climate stable and free from violence, ensuring that the sacrifices of past generations are honored by maintaining the peace they fought for.
Joseph Ashitey Hammond, Ghana’s last surviving World War II veteran, stood in sombre remembrance on Remembrance Day, as he honored his fallen comrades who sacrificed their lives in the fight for peace. This day, observed globally on November 11, is dedicated to remembering those who served and died in all wars, particularly World War I and II. For Hammond, the day holds deep personal significance as he reflects on the brutalities he witnessed and the comrades he lost during his service.
Hammond, now in his 90s, was only 16 years old when he left Ghana to join the British forces during World War II, taking part in the Burma Campaign. This was one of the most gruelling campaigns of the war, fought in the British colony of Burma (now Myanmar) between 1941 and 1945. As a young recruit, Hammond witnessed firsthand the horrors of war — the intense fighting, the loss of friends, and the severe toll that war took on human life and spirit.
The Burma Campaign was particularly brutal, with soldiers battling both the enemy and the harsh terrain, including jungles, extreme heat, and the spread of disease. For Hammond and many others, the campaign was not just a fight against the Japanese Imperial Army, but a fight for survival. It was a gruelling test of endurance that resulted in immense physical and emotional scars for those who survived. Hammond, having fought in these conditions, understands the true cost of war—something many in the current generation may take for granted.
Hammond’s Message of Peace Ahead of Elections
As Ghana approaches 2024 elections, Hammond’s Remembrance Day message carries a new weight. His plea for peace, given his personal experience with the devastation of war, is more urgent than ever. In his solemn reflections, Hammond emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and unity in the country, especially as political tensions rise with the upcoming election.
In recent years, Ghana has witnessed rising political polarization, and there have been concerns about the potential for violence during elections. With a relatively young but growing population, many Ghanaians may not have a direct memory of past conflicts, or the sacrifices made during World War II, making it all the more important for veterans like Hammond to remind the nation of the price of peace.
Hammond’s call is also significant because of the broader historical context he represents. He is not just speaking as an individual, but as a representative of a generation that fought for freedom and stability—not just for Ghana, but for the world. His message serves as a reminder that the peace and stability that Ghanaians now enjoy were hard-won by the efforts and sacrifices of those who came before them.
For Hammond, Remembrance Day is not only about honouring his fallen comrades but also about ensuring that future generations understand the importance of peace, democracy, and unity. As Ghana heads into its election period, the veteran’s message carries weight: the future of the nation is at stake, and political leaders and citizens alike must embrace peace and reject violence. For Joseph Ashitey Hammond, whose journey began as a young boy enlisting in the British army, Remembrance Day is a personal reflection of the sacrifices made not only for Ghana’s independence but for global peace. His message underscores the importance of peace not just for the sake of electoral victory, but for the stability and future of Ghana. Veterans like Hammond are key to preserving a nation’s sense of history. Their firsthand experiences provide a powerful counter-narrative to political rhetoric that may sometimes ignore the lessons of the past. Hammond’s presence on Remembrance Day acts as a reminder of the global sacrifices made during World War II, with lessons on the importance of peace that are as relevant today as they were during the war. As the political climate grows more tense with the approaching elections, Hammond’s words serve as an appeal to Ghanaians to rise above political divisions. His message is simple: “Let there be peace”—a message that calls on both leaders and citizens to prioritize national unity and stability over the divisiveness and potential for violence that can sometimes accompany elections.
Joseph Ashitey Hammond’s solemn observance of Remembrance Day serves as both a personal tribute to those who sacrificed their lives in war and as a call to action for Ghanaians to honour that sacrifice by ensuring a peaceful and democratic election process in 2024. His message, born from the experiences of one who lived through the ravages of war, resonates with a renewed urgency—particularly as Ghana faces a critical electoral moment that could define the nation’s future path.
Hammond’s reflection on the cost of war and his plea for peace provides a poignant reminder that the preservation of peace is not a given—it is a continuous effort that requires every generation’s commitment to unity, dialogue, and non-violence. As Ghana moves closer to its elections, the hope is that the message of this WWII veteran will guide the country toward a peaceful, stable, and democratic future.
