WO1 Joseph Ashitey Hammond’s book review by Oral Ofori
When I first opened Warrant Officer Class 1 (WO1) Joseph Ashitey Hammond’s book, I expected to step into history, but what I found was far more than dates, battles, and memories of war.
I was drawn into the life of a man who, against the backdrop of colonial Gold Coast (now Ghana) and the chaos of the Second World War, dared to carry not just a rifle but also the weight of Africa’s untold story on his shoulders.
WO1 Hammond‘s story echoes a generation whose sacrifices shaped the world we live in today. His memoir is a bridge between history and the present, reminding us of the courage and dignity of African soldiers who fought in the Second World War.
Reading his words, you hear the cadence of marching feet, feel the sting of hunger and heat, cold, and witness the humour and hope that sustained men in jungles thousands of miles from home.
What struck me most was the humility with which he tells his story, which is a rare balance of honesty, humour, and wisdom. He does not glorify war, nor does he centre himself as a hero, but through his lens, you see the quiet heroism of endurance, of loyalty, and of the simple act of survival.
As I turned the pages, I could not help but reflect on how many of Africa’s stories remain locked away in silence, hidden within our elders, waiting for someone brave enough to share them.
WO1 Hammond’s memoir is a gift because it ensures that the contributions of African soldiers are not erased from world history, but instead remembered with dignity. It is also a reminder that every generation has a duty to listen, to document, and to honour those whose lives paved the way for ours.
This book is an inspiration for young Africans, and the global community alike. It challenges us to value our veterans, preserve our heritage, and live with purpose. For me, it also raises a call to ensure that stories like these are never forgotten because they are the foundation on which nations build their future.
Reading this memoir feels like sitting at the feet of a grandfather whose life lessons stretch across borders and time. It is a story that belongs not only to Ghana but to Africa and the world.
In each of the five chapters, WO1 Hammond brings history to life with striking clarity. “Chapter I: A Man from an Ancient Heritage of Warriors” recalls his roots in Teshie, famed for its unwavering role in developments and defence, such as the Katamanso War of 1826.
“Chapter II: West Africa in Global Warfare” shows how the region shaped world events, while Chapter III: A Man and His Nation in Another World War tells the story of his service in the Second World War.
“Chapter IV: A Gold Coast Ex-Serviceman of the 1948 Crossroad Shooting” reflects on the courage of veterans who stood up for justice, a pivotal moment in Ghana’s independence history.
Finally, “Chapter V: Road to Independence and Development” celebrates his contribution as the first store manager of Ghana’s first government Hotel to becoming an asphalt engineer, helping to build national projects such as the Accra (now Kotoka) International Airport, El Wak Sports Stadium, and many others that remain symbols of progress today.
In every chapter, there is a seed of untold history and culture that urges us to keep striving, keep believing, and keep building. This is not just WO1 Hammond’s legacy, it is our shared inheritance.
His life’s work continues through his foundation, which stands for peace, development, and education. With its mission to provide scholarships and educational assistance to children of soldiers who lost their lives in active combat or peacekeeping missions, the foundation ensures that his values of service and sacrifice live on in tangible, life-changing ways.
Joseph Ashitey Hammond has gifted the world a legacy in words, and TheAfricanDream proudly salutes him for it. Read his book here: bio.to/JAHB
Written by Oral Ofori
Oral Ofori is Founder and Publisher at www.TheAfricanDream.net, a digital storyteller and producer, and also an information and research consultant.
