Senior citizens feted, honoured in regions
A number of events were held in the regions across the country to commemorate the country’s 57th Republic Day anniversary last Saturday.
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Our regional correspondents have come through with these reports.
Bolgatanga
Mr Anthony Ewusi, a retiree of the Ghana Police Service, receiving a hamper from Osabarimba
Vincent Amenuveve reports from Bolgatanga, that the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Rockson Bukari, called on senior citizens in the region to put their knowledge and experience at the government's disposal to enable it to implement policies and programmes effectively.
He observed that the calibre of old-age pensioners in the region traversed a wide range of professions and areas of expertise that could be tapped to facilitate speedy development of the region.
Mr Bukari made the request during an interaction with pensioners and other aged persons in the region at Bolgatanga as part of the Republic Day anniversary.
"I will also like to use this opportunity to challenge you to document your experiences and write your memoirs so that society can gain from your knowledge and experiences," he said.
Some of the senior citizens urged the government to undertake broad consultations with regards to its ‘Planting for Food and Jobs’ programme as well as other interventions it intended to carry out before and during their implementation.
The MCE of Tema, Mr Felix Nii Annang Mensah-La, presenting a parcel to a retiree, Nana Ogyedom Tsetsewa I, who is also a Divisional Chief of the Gomoa Akyempim Traditional Council. Picture: Benjamin Xornam Glover
Tema
In Tema, more than 200 senior citizens in the metropolis were feted by the Tema Metropolitan Assembly, reports Benjamin Xornam Glover.
The senior citizens were treated to a sumptuous lunch and quality highlife tunes by A.B. Crentsil, one of Ghana’s most prolific highlife artistes, backed by the Matts Band.
The Tema Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr Felix Nii Annang Mensah-La, said the event was also part of efforts by the assembly to compensate senior citizens in the metropolis for their hard work which had led the city’s growth.
“We recognise the efforts and contributions you have made to the development of Tema and Ghana in general and we are very grateful to you. We do not have opportunity often to bring you all together to say thank you. As a nation, we are proud of your contributions,” he said.
Mr Sa-eed (left in smock) presenting a certificate and a parcel to Madam Janet Ackon, a retired Senior Nurse
Central Region
Similarly, the Central Regional Minister, Mr Kwamina Duncan, held a reception in honour of the senior citizens in Cape Coast which was attended by about 100 persons, reports Shirley Asiedu-Addo.
Out of the number, 50 were presented with hampers in recognition of their immense contributions to the development of the region and the country as a whole.
During an open forum to receive their counsel, some of the pensioners decried the persistent moral decay among the society, particularly alcoholism, teenage pregnancy, occultism, truancy and inclination to instant mob justice.
They called for tailored efforts to instil in them good morals and values as well the need to be disciplined at all times.
They also called for modification of the current pensions scheme into one that was more pensioner-friendly
Mr Duncan commended the senior citizens for their selfless sacrifices towards national development.
Mr Kwamina Duncan , Central Regional Minister, takes to the dancing floor with some senior citizens
From Tamale, Samuel Duodu reports that the Northern Regional Minister, Mr Salifu Sa-eed, urged senior citizens in the region to continue to advocate peace and unity in their communities since there could be no development without peace.
“Our people have suffered enough of conflicts, now we need peace to develop,” he said at a reception held at the Residency in Tamale to mark the country’s 57th Republic Day.
Some senior citizens in the region were honoured with gifts for their contributions and dedicated services to the region and the country as a whole.
Upper West Region
Music Legend, A.B. Crentsil (with mic) treating the senior citizens to highlife tunes. Picture: Benjamin Xornam Glover
From Wa, Emmanuel Modey reports that the Upper West Regional Minister, Alhaji Sulemana Alhassan, urged senior citizens not to be tired in offering counsel for the development of the region and appealed to them to make available their rich store of knowledge, experiences and expertise to the advantage of the youth and people in their communities.
Alhaji Alhassan made the assertions when he addressed 50 selected senior citizens at Wa as part of activities marking the Republic Day.
“You are now like living waters providing nourishment for the future generation and for the growth and prosperity of the nation.
Koforidua
Irena Ansah Pobee writes from Koforidua in the Eastern Region that the 57th Republic Day Senior Citizens Day reception took place at the Residency.
Four senior citizens from each of the 26 districts in the region were presented with gifts for their dedication and hard work to the region and nation’s development.
The founder and former Head Master of the Asesewa Senior High School, Mr Charles Kwasi Narh, who spoke at the event, urged the government to form an advisory board of senior citizens to guide metropolitan, municipal and district chief executives in their work.
“Senior citizens were knowledgeable and experienced and could provide insights into development programmes that were helpful to the people,” he said
