Govt committed to improve welfare of senior citizens

Alhaji Amidu Sulemana, Upper West Region Minister, has said government was committed to improve the welfare of senior citizens, for working hard over the years to build Ghana.

In that regard, government was putting in place prudent policies, such as the reviewing of the National Pension Scheme and the reduction in the waiting time for retired persons to receive their Social Security and National Insurance Trust benefits.

Alhaji Sulemana was addressing retired government workers who had rendered selfless services to Ghana, to mark this year’s Republic Day celebrations in Wa.

He said government was improving retirement package for pensioners, and as well, introducing a housing scheme for workers, to make them live more dignified lives.

The Regional Minister gave the assurance that government had put in place appropriate measures to address some challenges facing Ghana in the areas of power shortages, the ever-increasing unemployment and the infrastructure situations.

He appealed to Ghanaians to support government’s policies and programmes to enhance development.

Mr. Ben Banye, a former Regional Director of the National Commission for Civil Education, raised concern about poor services and equipment at the Wa Regional Hospital, and urged health authorities to address the situation.

He also expressed concern about the constructional works on the much awaited 160-bed capacity Regional Hospital for the Upper West Region in Wa, saying the 160-bed capacity was inadequate for the region.

Mr Banye, therefore, called for the expansion of the facility to a 500-bed capacity or more.

Mr. Mumuni A. Seidu, a former Member of Parliament for Wa Central, who spoke on behalf of the senior citizens, appealed to them to work to maintain peace and reduce crime in their communities.

He said traditional rulers played critical roles in the creation of the Upper West Region, and urged them to continue to nurse the region to grow, by offering good counselling and mobilising the people to undertake development projects.

The Regional Co-ordinating Council honoured some retirees from the 11 districts in the region, and rewarded certain individuals for their immense contributions towards the development of the region.