Lebanese community supports martyrs dependents

The Lebanese community in Ghana on Tuesday awarded 14 scholarships to dependents of the martyrs of the Ghana Armed Forces at the Burma camp in Accra.

The gesture forms part of the Lebanese Community's regular support for needy but brilliant children in tertiary and second cycle institutions.

In his address at the well attended event, H. E Ali Halabi, the Lebanese ambassador to Ghana, pointed out that " we are aware that the peace Ghana prides herself of enjoying is through the effort of the security services.

"Ghana has not been selfish, even in war torn areas outside the country, Ghanaian soldiers can be found breaking sweat and even losing their lives or remaining forever maimed just to maintain order.

"Take my country Lebanon for instance, more than 35 Ghanaian soldiers died during Israeli aggressions against the south."

He said the event was aimed at eulogising fallen heroes and heroines who offered themselves willingly to the service of mankind.

The Lebanese ambassador indicated that the scholarship scheme to dependents of the fallen soldiers begun last year saying, "this time around, the package will be given to some children of those who died in line of duty, both within and outside Ghana."

The Chief of Defense Staff , Air Vice Marshall Samson-Oje said that “As an Armed Force, we are encouraged by this kind gesture from the Lebanese Community in Ghana through their Ambassador, for us, it means that whenever duty calls, we have to put our heart into the execution of our task, knowing that when the worst happens and we are called by our Maker, there are good people who will not turn their backs to our families and dependents but they are ready to support them and ensure that their absence will not create any huge gap.”

He added “It is interesting to note that the Lebanese Community does not only support the dependents and families of martyrs of the Ghana Armed Forces but they extend such support to beneficiaries from the Police, Immigration and the Prisons Services.”

He told the beneficiaries that the best way to say thank you to the Lebanese Community is to make good use of the scholarship by studying hard, pass their exams and make it in life.

Defence Minister, Dr Benjamin Bewa-Nyong Kumbour lauded the Lebanese Community for their continued support for education in Ghana.

One of the beneficiaries Eric Adu said in appreciation noted “We the beneficiaries of these scholarship packages express our profound thanks to the Lebanese community and the Lebanese embassy in Ghana for having it a second time.”