President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday stated that government would carry out its mandate and responsibilities in the society in spite of the economic challenges the country is experiencing.

He said: "This is our country and this is our home...the time to act together is now for the development of the country irrespective of ethnic, gender and geographical location."

President Mahama stated this when he treated senior citizens to a luncheon at the banquet hall of the State House as part of the 54th Republic day celebrations.

The Republic day, was marked with national awards to recognise excellence, dedication and selfless service to Ghana.

The annual luncheon was aimed at honouring senior citizens who have paid their dues in terms of carrying out their duties and responsibilities successfully during their working lives.

President Mahama appealed to public institutions to accord senior citizens respect and courtesy.

The aged, he added, could not be competing with the much younger ones for services “when our traditions and customs frown on cultural delinquency and disrespect to the aged”.

The president promised to work hard to serve all categories of citizens in the country, but cautioned all to play their roles responsibly to achieve the country's development goals.

Mr David Anaglate, a former Director General of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and Representative of the senior citizens, commended previous governments for initiating the National Health Insurance Scheme and advised President Mahama to maintain all the standards of the scheme for future generations.

He said aging is a phenomenon that awaits every young person in the society and appealed to government to plead with banks and health facilities to offer special assistance to the aged anytime they visit those facilities.

Mr Anaglate also advised government to advertise all job vacancies in consonance with the Ghana procurement laws to place all job seekers on the same level playing field.