Retired soldiers pursuing the recalculation of their pensions and gratuities have been urged to remain calm, united and disciplined as their claims continue through the legal process.
Master Warrant Officer (MWO) George Amponsah, a leading member of the Ghana Armed Forces’ 1995 and 1996 intake cohorts, made the appeal during an engagement with executives of the Retired Non-Commissioned Officers Association (RNCOA).
The meeting focused on efforts by affected veterans to secure what they consider fair and accurate computation of their pension and gratuity entitlements.
MWO Amponsah said the concerns involving members of the 1995 and 1996 intakes, as well as over-aged personnel affected by Constitutional Instrument (C.I.) 129, were currently before the courts and should therefore be allowed to follow the established legal process.
He explained that the involvement of the Attorney General in the proceedings was required under the 1992 Constitution, particularly Article 88, which provides for the Attorney General’s role in representing the State in legal proceedings.
He therefore appealed to affected veterans to exercise restraint and maintain confidence in the judiciary rather than resorting to actions that could undermine their collective efforts.
According to him, solidarity among the affected retirees would be essential in navigating the ongoing process and pursuing a satisfactory resolution to their concerns.
The engagement was attended by RNCOA Founder and President, Veteran Kwaku Duah; Co-Founder and Vice President, Veteran George Obeng-Fianko; and General Secretary, SWO2 Issah Bawre (Rtd).
The association commended MWO Amponsah for engaging its leadership and providing updates on developments surrounding the pension and gratuity concerns.
RNCOA reiterated its commitment to advancing the welfare and interests of retired non-commissioned officers through lawful and peaceful means.
The association also urged all affected veterans to respect due process and await the outcome of the ongoing court proceedings.
Pension verification
Meanwhile, RNCOA has called on retired personnel to take part in the ongoing pension verification exercise being conducted by the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department (CAGD).
The association said eligible pensioners should complete the verification process and cooperate with the relevant authorities to facilitate the exercise.
It further encouraged members to rely on official channels for updates on pension matters, welfare initiatives and other developments concerning retired military personnel.
RNCOA, legally registered as the Sweet Bo Association, describes itself as Ghana’s first non-governmental organisation dedicated exclusively to the welfare, advocacy and social integration of retired non-commissioned officers of the Ghana Armed Forces.
