The Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), Lieutenant General William Agyapong, has announced the establishment of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) Trust Fund, an initiative aimed at providing immediate financial relief to families of deceased service personnel.
Under the scheme, a surviving family will receive up to GH¢55,000 in the event of the death of a serving member.
The support is designed to cushion bereaved families while they await the processing and payment of pensions and gratuities.
Lt Gen Agyapong made the disclosure during a goodwill visit to two retired senior personnel in Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.
He called on former Forces Sergeant Major, Ex-Chief Warrant Officer Adu Yaw Daniel, and former Academy Sergeant Major of the Ghana Military Academy, Warrant Officer Class One Ali Nakyea Seidu.
The visit formed part of efforts by the Military High Command to honour retired personnel, assess their welfare, and tap into their experience for the continued development of the Ghana Armed Forces.
It also provided an opportunity to explore ways of strengthening support systems for veterans.
During the engagement, Ex-CWO Adu Yaw Daniel, who served as Forces Sergeant Major from 6 May 2009 to 30 May 2013, reflected on his 37 years of service and offered suggestions aimed at improving welfare structures for retired personnel.
Ex-WO1 Ali Nakyea Seidu commended the current leadership of the GAF for ongoing reforms and interventions.
He also urged the Military High Command to sustain professional standards by deepening training, ensuring merit-based promotions, and upholding the values of integrity and teamwork.
Discussions also focused on key welfare concerns, including spousal pensions, the GAF Benevolent Fund, and the newly introduced GAF Trust Fund.
Lt Gen Agyapong further revealed that the Military High Command has engaged the Armed Forces Council to extend spousal pension payments from three to six months.
He explained that the proposal is intended to ease the financial pressure on families during periods of bereavement.
By 1960news.com
