World War II veteran, Warrant Officer 1 (W01) Joseph Ashitey (R) speaking to a GhanaWeb reporter r
A 100-year-old World War II veteran, Warrant Officer 1 (W01) Joseph Ashitey Hammond, has shared his harrowing experiences from the battlefield, offering a firsthand account of the chaos, fear, and resilience that defined his years in service.
In an exclusive interview with GhanaWeb TV, he also reflected on the historic February 28, 1948, shooting incident, which marked a turning point in Ghana’s struggle for independence.
Born on May 10, 1925, Hammond served in the British Army during World War II, fighting in battles across India and Burma.
He vividly recalled witnessing the horrors of war, including the deaths of fellow soldiers on the battlefield.
“I have seen many people die around me, screaming in pain before their deaths. The wars I have gone through would surprise you. But if God loves you, He loves you,” he said.
His experiences, he noted, shaped his outlook on life, reinforcing the importance of endurance and faith.
Hammond also spoke about the February 28, 1948, shooting of ex-servicemen in Accra.
The event occurred when former soldiers of the British colonial army, demanding unpaid benefits, were fired upon by colonial police, leading to the deaths of three veterans.
While he did not provide specific details, Hammond’s ability to recall the incident highlights its lasting impact on Ghana’s history.
Reflecting on his century-long life, Hammond credited forgiveness and faith as the keys to his longevity.
“If you want to live long and for God to help and love you, ‘forgiveness’ is the key. Anyone who offends you must be forgiven because mistakes are inevitable; nobody is perfect,” he advised.
He emphasised the importance of seeking God’s forgiveness and extending the same grace to others, stating that this has been his guiding principle throughout life.
Beyond his military service, Hammond played a crucial role in Ghana’s development.
As a civil engineer, he contributed to major infrastructure projects, including Kotoka International Airport and El Wak Stadium.
“I was one of the engineers who built the airport and also the El Wak Stadium. I don’t like to talk about myself, but since you are here as a journalist, I can share everything you need to know,” he recounted.
He also worked as the first store manager of the Mövenpick Ambassador Hotel before leaving to join Kwame Nkrumah’s Ghana National Construction Company (GNCC).
Following the 1966 coup d’etat that ousted Nkrumah, the company was renamed State Construction, where Hammond continued to serve for 15 years.
Hammond also recounted key moments in Ghana’s fight for independence, including a conversation involving lawyer Ako-Agyei, who advised against a violent struggle and instead suggested Kwame Nkrumah as the leader to guide the country to independence.
“Nkrumah was my teacher at Lincoln University in America,” Hammond revealed, adding that he had witnessed first-hand the leadership qualities that would later define Ghana’s first president.
Having lived through Ghana’s transformation from colonial rule to independence, Hammond remains one of the few surviving voices of that era.
“I am much older than Ghana. I am 100 years old, and Ghana is 68,” he remarked, underscoring his deep connection to the nation’s history.
Watch the video below:
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