DEFENDER OF THE FATHERLAND DAY COMMEMORATED IN GHANA

The Russian Community in Ghana has held a commemorative function,to mark the celebration of this year’s ‘Defender of the Fatherland Day’,with a call on Russian soldiers to exhibit the same levels of commitment and
communal spirit shown by their liberation fighters during the Second World War, to safeguard lives and property in their home country – Russia.

This was revealed on the sidelines of a cocktail to climax the day’s events,held at the residence of the Russian Ambassador to Ghana HE Dmitriy Suslov in Accra on Monday 23 February 2015.
The tradition to honour all those who dedicated their lives to the service
of the Russian state and to achieve sovereignty during World War II and
subsequent wars, began in 1919,and has since gained wide popularity in
Russia.

Observed as a public holiday annually in faraway Russia, the Defender of
the Fatherland is marked each year with local parades to honour the
military and veterans, while women and other relations present
postcards,congratulatory messages and other gifts to their male relations in recognition of the tireless efforts of their predecessors in the struggle for Russian Sovereignty.

Speaking at the event, the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, HE Dmitriy
Suslov underscored the need to celebrate the Russian Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Defense and Nuclear Force Operations for their monumental contributions during the wars that saw them defeat their aggressors, and their continuous performance of duties till date.
He added that it was imperative to modernise and retool these forces to
make them efficient in combatting any security threats to the fatherland.

The ambassador noted that once the soldiers are adequately equipped, they would be on top of their game –and be committed to the collective
good of the Russian people.

“We are sure that our soldiers and officers will act with the same spirit
as their fathers and grandfathers had during the early days of the
Russia Army. Every Russian is sure that the Army can guarantee peaceful life for us and our children and to protect our great country,” Ambassador Suslov said.

Pis from the cocktail event

Defence Minister, Dr. Benjamin Kumbuor, on behalf of government and people of Ghana, assured of efforts to deepen the military and defence
relationship between the two nations, while also congratulating the Russian Army, which has over the years chalked laudable feats in defence operations.

He expressed appreciation for the numerous support the Russian
government continues to extend to Ghana in the nation’s quest to improve security efforts.

“I wish you all the best, and hope that this day creates the level of
resilience for the gallant men and women in Russia, who have fallen
for a good course,” he concluded.The event was attended by members the Diplomatic Corps from Russia, state functionaries, Officers from the
Ghana Armed Forces, and other sister security services.

@the cocktail