Senior Citizens call for respect towards the Presidency

Koforidua, July 2, GNA - Senior Citizens in the Eastern Region on Wednesday expressed worry about the disrespect being shown to the Presidency by some people and advised those people to change their ways for the better.

The senior citizens who expressed the concern during the "Senior Citizen's Day" celebration in Koforidua said those attitude would not do the country any good and called for concerted efforts from all to help build a better Ghana.

They also spoke about the frustrations they go through before getting their pensions at the end of each month, and appealed to the Government to take measures to address the situation. Mr Samuel Ofosu-Ampofo, Regional Minister, said the day was not only to honour the senior citizens for their contributions towards the development of the country, but also to create a conducive and serene platform for political and administrative holders to interact. He observed that "a nation which does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for", adding that, it was in that light that the day had been designed as Senior Citizens Day to show recognition and appreciation to the invaluable contributions of elderly statesmen and women in the development efforts of the nation.

Mr Ofosu-Ampofo told them that the government appreciated the pivotal role they had played in the nation's development and would not limit the day to "feasting and conviviality, but will also identify some pertinent and basic challenges which confront the aged and employ every possible means to address them. "I am of the view that when your welfare is improved and living conditions made better, it will make the rest of your days a happy one". Mr Ofosu-Ampofo suggested that government keeps proper records of the aged not only for the purposes of recognition, but also to serve as a ready source of reference. A number of the senior citizens including Air Marshall Bruce, Rear Admiral Owusu Kwapong both retired and Mr Mike Acheampong, a one time Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture were honoured. 2 July 09