Ex-WO1 Joseph Ashitey Hammond pays courtesy call on Ga Mantse

In a moving encounter that echoed with history, honour, and deep cultural pride, Ghana’s celebrated Second World War veteran, Private Joseph Ashitey Hammond, paid a heartfelt courtesy call on the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, at his palace in Accra on Wednesday.

At 99 years old, Private Hammond stands as a living symbol of courage and service, having fought in the treacherous Burma Campaign with the Gold Coast Regiment during the Second World War.

Time has not dimmed the spirit of this national icon, who continues to inspire generations with his humility and unwavering patriotism.

His visit to the Ga Mantse was not just a meeting—it was a powerful union of legacy and leadership, as a revered elder of the land honoured a respected traditional ruler.

Private Hammond presented himself before the King with deep reverence and warmth.

With a voice steady and sincere, he extended a personal invitation to His Royal Majesty to grace the celebration of his 100th birthday—a milestone few reach, and even fewer reach with such national reverence.

The Ga Mantse, visibly moved by the gesture, was momentarily lost for words.

In the presence of a man whose sacrifices helped secure Ghana’s place in history, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II expressed heartfelt gratitude for the visit, calling it an honour for the Ga State.

"This is not just an invitation to a birthday—it is a reminder of our duty to honour those whose sacrifices paved the way for our freedom," the King noted.

He assured the veteran that the Ga Traditional Council would be represented in full dignity at the forthcoming celebration.

The palace gathering stood as a testament to the enduring power of gratitude, service, and cultural pride.

As Private Hammond’s centenary approaches, his story continues to be a beacon.

It reminded the nation that true greatness lies in service, humility, and the strength to carry history on one’s shoulders with grace.

In the quiet moments that followed their meeting, it was clear: Ghana had witnessed not just a royal encounter, but the embrace of two great custodians of heritage—one of ancestral tradition, and the other of national memory.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith