Cape Coast, July 02, GNA - The Central Regional Minister, Mrs Ama Benyiwa Doe, on Wednesday called on caregivers to treat the aged in the society with dignity and love.

She said the aged have served the nation to the full and should therefore be given proper care and attention to enable them to live comfortable lives in their retirement.

Mrs Benyiwa Doe said this at a luncheon held for more than 300 senior citizens drawn from all the districts, municipality and metropolis in the central region at the residency in Cape Coast as part of the 49th republic day celebration. The senior citizens who were served with food and drinks, were also treated to music by the "Fire Angels" musical group and the Cape Coast Youth Choir.

Eight of the senior citizens whose ages range between 80 and 90 years was each presented with a piece of cloth, soaps and toiletries, whiles the others were presented with soaps, toiletries and T-shirts. The Regional Minister expressed concern that most of the youth in their bid to seek greener pastures abandon the aged in the villages and go to the urban centres, and stressed the need to change the situation. She underscored the important role the senior citizens have played in the development of the country, stressing that a nation that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for. She said the government has directed a review of the pension act passed last year, bearing in mind the financial difficulties in the country.

Mrs Benyiwa Doe added that government was also placing a high premium on making sure that the living standards of senior citizens especially were significantly improved. She called on senior citizens to share their experiences with the youth to ensure the continuous development of the nation. Mr Thomas Appiah Kwamena, President of the Central Regional branch of the Pensioners Association, called on the senior citizens to serve as role models for the youth, adding that the youth looked up to them for inspiration and guidance.

He said after 49 years of enjoying a Republican status, there was the need for the country to do away with all the old practices and evolve pragmatic plans that would accelerate national development. 02-07-09.