In a specially-recorded video message, Prince Harry commended WOI Ashitey for his service and impact and extended his warm wishes.
“Happy birthday, sir. Wishing you a very, very happy 100th birthday today. The Invictus delegation has just returned from Ghana and says that you are in fine spirits and I’m very happy to hear that.
“Thank you from all of us for your incredible service, both wearing uniform and as a veteran. You are quite literally a hero of Ghana,” he remarked.
Prince Harry expressed hope of seeing the Word War II veteran soon to mark the growing bond between Ghana and the Invictus community.
“I really, truly hope that we will be able to celebrate together once Ghana joined the Invictus community of nations. I have been given good reports from the Invictus delegation. They thoroughly enjoyed their visit and very much enjoyed catching up with you. So, I wish you well. I hope to see you soon. Happy birthday, sir, and take care,” he noted.
He continued; “This isn’t just a birthday message. It’s a moment of deep respect from one generation of service to another. A royal tribute to a man whose bravery helped shape the world we live in.
“And in that simple greeting, a bridge between history, legacy and gratitude. Happy 100th, Mr Hammond. The world sees you. The world salutes you.”
The centenarian was a member of the Gold Coast Regiment under the British Army, and served with honour during World War II in campaigns across East Africa and Southeast Asia.
In recent years, he gained international recognition for walking 14 miles during the COVID-19 pandemic to raise funds for frontline workers and vulnerable veterans across Africa.
During a celebration for Commonwealth soldiers in the UK, Hammond also met with the Queen and members of the Royal Family, including Prince Harry, a former soldier himself and Founder of the Invictus Games, a global adaptive sports event for injured and sick service personnel and veterans, which has long advocated for the well-being, recognition and rehabilitation of ex-service members.
Watch Prince Harry’s video to the WWII veteran below:
