Ghana’s WW2 veteran, Joseph Hammond launches peace initiative
Photo: World War II veteran, Joseph Ashitey Hammond (seated middle) / © Joseph Ashitey Hammond Foundation
Ex-Warrant Officer Class 1 (Ex-WO1) Joseph Ashitey Hammond, a Ghanaian World War II veteran, has launched a “Global Peace Initiative.” He disclosed this in a press conference at the British Council in Ghana, stating his underlying reason for promoting peace.
Anna Bossman, Ghana’s ambassador to France and Portugal, as well as the veteran’s friends, relatives, and representatives of the Ga Adangbe Traditional Council in Ghana, were present at the event.
His foundation, The Joseph Ashitey Hammond Foundation has sponsored the initiative from the start. The foundation aims to disseminate the message of peace and reconciliation throughout the world.
The veteran’s commitment to advancing international peace spurred from this personal experiences. They will be used by the Joseph Ashitey Hammond Foundation to promote understanding and communication, positioning it as a beacon of peace and reconciliation.
Following his involvement in World War II, Mr. Hammond began his reflection on the disturbing aftermath of the war. In a statement, he said, “after the Second World War, I felt my hands were full of blood.” As a result, a “Global Peace Tour” will be part of his plans to raise awareness on the dangers of war and violence. As well as to inspire people to protect the peace in their own communities.
He also announced his newly written, powerful autobiography detailing his personal experiences during World War II as part of his foundation’s peace campaign.
“In this compelling narrative, WO1 Hammond not only recounts the gritty details of wartime struggles but opens the door to his personal life, weaving in the threads of peace, love, loss, and resilience. Amidst the chaos of battle, WO1 Hammond’s tale transcends borders, shedding light on Ghana’s fight for independence. This poignant account offers a unique blend of history, personal reflection, and his extraordinary 99-year life,” said the official press statement.
In addition to exploring the veteran’s own experiences, the book will serve as a historical account of Ghana, emphasising the achievements of its veterans.
His experiences with war have shaped his Global Peace Initiative, having lived through daunting days of conflict and turmoil. His terrifying time in India and Burma during the war are revealed in his gripping book, which has been published. Alongside surviving the Christiansburg Crossroads Massacre, he recounted how men perish in battle.
“The goal of the book is not only to chronicle the life of the Lionhearted Hero but to also inform and educate on the effects of war as well as propagate the Joseph Ashitey Hammond Foundation’s Global Peace Agenda,” the statement said.
Source: TheAfricanDream.net
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
