The Minister for Defence, Dr. Kenneth Gilbert Adjei has officially launched the 2026 Poppy Appeal, describing it as a solemn national reminder of the debt Ghana owes to its gallant veterans who served, sacrificed and suffered in service to the nation and humanity.

Addressing members of the Diplomatic Corps, veterans, invited guests and the media on Thursday, October 2, the Minister said: "The poppy is a simple flower but it carries a powerful message. It represents remembrance, sacrifice, service and gratitude.”

"Whenever we wear a poppy, remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Those who returned from war, bearing physical and emotional scars. Those veterans who continued to serve their communities long after leaving the military,” he added.

Dr. Adjei stressed this year's appeal is particularly significant because the generation of pre-independence veterans is rapidly disappearing with only a few remaining.

"They represent a living bridge between our colonial military history, the birth of independent Ghana and the evolution of our armed forces. Many of them enlisted when Ghana was still the Gold Coast. Some served during the Second World War and in other theatres of conflict apart from their homes," he noted.

He recalled their harrowing experiences in the jungles of Burma where they endured hunger, disease and reptiles, and with courage transformed the defeat into victory.

"Many of our veterans departed without the solace of a farewell embrace. Thrust into the unforgiving jungles of Burma where they endured hunger, disease and the constant menace of reptiles. They pressed on through exhaustion and peril... Their resilience remains a testament to the indomitable spirit of the Ghanaian soldier."

"We therefore have the responsibility to ensure that their final years are lived with dignity. We cannot wait until the last pre-independence veteran is gone before we fully appreciate what their generation gave to us. The time to remember them is while they are still here. The time to support them is now," he emphasised.

The Defence Minister explained that funds raised from the Poppy Appeal will be used to support projects and welfare interventions for veterans through the Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG) including healthcare, welfare, medication, infrastructure and rehabilitation of veteran facilities.

"The responsibility for veterans welfare cannot rest entirely on the Veterans Administration. It must be a national responsibility," he indicated.

He appealed to corporate Ghana, financial institutions, traditional leaders, Members of Parliament, Ministers of State, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), development partners, civil society organizations and individuals to support the Poppy Appeal.

"A contribution to the Poppy Appeal is not simply a donation. It is an investment in gratitude. It is our way of saying to those who served our nation with their youth, we remember you, we value your sacrifice. Ghana has not forgotten you."

Dr. Adjei also called for deliberate efforts to ensure the memory of veterans survives beyond the generations. 

He commended VAG for taking the poppy to schools and communities and urged schools, universities, media houses and cultural institutions to educate young Ghanaians on military history.

"The poppy must become a symbol that young Ghanaians understand," he said, tasking the media to give the appeal sustained coverage from its launch through to the Remembrance Day on November 11.

"The stories of our surviving pre-independence veterans must be told now, while their voices can still be heard. Their experiences are not merely personal stories, they are part of Ghana's history. Let us tell the stories of the men and women behind the poppy."

He reminded serving soldiers that their service stands on foundations laid by veterans, asserting that "the young soldier serving Ghana today will one day become a veteran. The way we treat today's veterans is therefore also a statement about how we expect the nation to treat tomorrow's veterans”.

Declaring the 2026 Poppy Appeal duly launched, Dr. Adjei reaffirmed government's commitment to work with VAG and the Ghana Armed Forces to promote the welfare and dignity of veterans.

"To our gallant veterans, I say this, your service is remembered, your sacrifices are valued, and your legacy belongs to our country, Ghana.”

"When you hear the poppy, remember a veteran. When you give to the appeal, support a veteran. When you tell their story, preserve their legacy."

Also speaking during the event, the Executive Director of the Veterans Administration Ghana (VAG), Brigadier General Seidu Mumuni Adams (Rtd), made a passionate appeal to corporate Ghana to support them to build decent district offices for veterans and their widows across the country.

"Throughout the world, the red poppy has become the symbol of service, sacrifice, and remembrance. Each poppy worn reminds us of those who stood firm in the darkest of times, and each contribution represents a seed of support for our veterans and their families," he said.

VAG operates in 10 regions with 72 administrative districts and regional offices yet to be opened.

Gen. Adams stated that last year's Poppy Appeal focus was to procure an ambulance for the VAG clinic at Amasaman and thanks to the public for their generous donations, it has been procured.

"The facility has become a lifeline not only for the veterans but also for the civilians from the neighboring communities who rely heavily on its services," he said, expressing gratitude on behalf of the veterans and the Amasaman community.

"Though the task before us is monumental, it is not impossible. With your support, with every poppy purchased, every donation made, and every pledge honoured, we can build facilities that will stand as beacons of care, compassion, and continuity.”

"As we enjoy the soothing melodies of the band tonight, let us remember that the real music is the harmony of hearts and hands coming together. The sacrifices of our veterans are chapters written in sweat and blood. Let us write the next chapters in ink of love and generosity,” he appealed.

"I call on every Ghanaian to wear the poppy with pride, to give with love, and to support with commitment. Let's leave a legacy of district offices to ease the administration of our veterans and military widows and widowers,” he concluded.

Present at the event were also the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lt. Gen. William Agyapong, Service Chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps, senior officers both serving and retired, veterans, widows and widowers.