Veterans urges Parliament to pass new VAG Bill

The Eastern Regional branch of the Veteran Association of Ghana (VAG) has appealed to Parliament to expedite action on the new VAG Bill, which was laid before it six years ago. The passage of the bill, they said, would enable it engage in business and other income generating- ventures that would make the association financially viable to cater for the needs of its members.

The Eastern Regional Administrator of the association, Captain Clement Okwanin Aikens (rtd) made the appeal in an interview with the Ghana News Agency in Koforidua on Thursday. He said soldiers while in active service acquire professional and intellectual experiences, which could still be used during their retirement to benefit society.

Capt. Aikens explained that this could only be achieved when the Bill, which seeks to empower the association to embark on economic ventures such as transport, carting of food from rural areas, security work, banking and other ventures were passed.

Captain Aikens said though the association was operating Lotto, the income was not enough to support its activities.

He said the regional branch had initiated a number of development projects, which included the proposed establishment of a 65-million-cedi clinic at Oseim in the East Akim District to serve over 8,000 people in the catchment area.

The association also plans to establish a rice mill at New Abirem while it has beehives that produce honey at Begoro and Osino.

Capt. Aikens, however, said lack of funds was affecting the smooth running of the projects and appealed to individuals and organisations to come to the aid of the association to undertake its projects.

He commended the government on its initiative to raise the status and image of the army and said, "such a gesture would not only ensure good governance, but would also prevent the military from meddling in the country's politics".