Create ministry responsible for the aged -Pastor

Ho, Oct. 01, GNA - Reverend Dr. Seth Agidi, Founder of Shepherd's Centre of Ghana, a faith-based coordinating centre for the aged, on Friday appealed to government to consider the creation of a ministry responsible for the aged.

He said this way; the ed could receive the needed attention and live longer to serve the nation with their varied experiences. Rev. Dr. Agidi said this in a speech read for him at a fundraising ceremony in aid of a recreation centre for the aged at Sokode-Gborgame near Ho.

The event, organized by Shepherd's Centre, was also to mark this year's World Aged Day celebration on the theme; "Caring for the Aged, the Responsibility of All." He noted that the extended family system, which served as succour for the aged, was now weak, and therefore urged religious leaders and communities to make special provisions for the care of the elderly in society.

"Churches, traditional authorities and communities must ensure meaningful and stress-less lives for the aged and not consider them as liabilities," Rev. Dr. Agidi said. He described old age as a precious gift and called on the populace, especially the youth, to appreciate old age and show respect to the elderly.

Rev. Agidi urged the elderly to be proud of themselves as old people and not let bad perceptions about old age worry them. He advised them to eat well, exercise, and go for health checkups regularly.

Mama Serwa Fenu III, Queen of Taviefe, who chaired the function, said grey hair is a blessing and urged young people to take good care of the aged.

Members of the Association, accompanied by a brass-band heralded the day with a procession through the town with some holding placards with inscriptions such as "Do not discriminate against the aged," "You will also grow," "Let us come together and care for the aged" and "Adopt one aged." 01 Oct. 10