Let’s have a database for senior citizens - Kamel

Mr. Henry Ford Kamel, Volta Regional Minister, has called for the establishment of reliable database on people who retire from public and civil service.

He said such information with details on expertise and location would help in the formulation of a national policy on the aged for their possible re-engagement.

Mr. Kamel made the call at a luncheon in Ho organized by the Volta Regional Coordinating Council in honour of senior citizens in the Region.

He said senior citizens remained relevant to the socio-economic development of the country and hoped a national policy for the aged could make them active and more relevant to the country’s economy saying “for instance retired teachers could be re-engaged to help improve academic performance in schools.”

Mr. Kamel appealed to the senior citizens to preach peace in their communities saying “as opinion leaders, use your expertise to ensure that peace prevailed in your areas. Be quick to condemn actions that could cause conflict and commend peaceful gestures”.

Mr. Tenasu Kofi Gbedemah, a Senior Citizen and Civil Society Activist, commended government for remembering the efforts of senior citizens and called on government to ensure the passage of the Right to Information Bill.

He said that was the only way to fight corruption and ensure transparency, accountability and good governance.

Mr. Ransford Ocloo, Former Volta Regional Director of the National Youth Council, said pensions of people under the SSNIT Pension Scheme was too low and appealed to government to review it.**