A cross-section of senior citizens in the Northern Region have appealed to the government to, as a matter of urgency, set up a military barracks at Yendi to take care of the eastern corridor where conflict is endemic.

They observed that the presence of the military will help nip in the bud any possible misunderstanding that could lead to conflict.

They made the appeal during an open forum at this year?s Senior Citizens Day that was marked at the Residency in Tamale over the weekend.

The senior citizens called for the establishment of more police stations, not only in the Tamale municipality but also in the various district capitals to help stem the rising spate of indiscipline and violence in the region.

They also appealed to the government to ensure that the Ministry of Finance and the Controller and Accountant-General effect the payment of the 15 per cent increase in their pension that was announced in May, this year, without further delay.

They further urged the government to stop paying lip service to their problems and rather come out with workable solutions that will help mitigate their plight.

The Deputy Northern Regional Minister, Mr Issah Ketekewu, attributed the lonely life of the aged to the breakdown of the extended family system and the quest for economic opportunities.

He said most people are also trapped in the poverty cycle and, therefore, unable to attend to the aged, in addition to their own immediate families. The deputy minister pledged the commitment of the government to good governance, wealth creation and the rule of law.

The Tamale Municipal Chief Executive, Mr Iddrisu Adam, entreated parents to be responsible and caring to their children, pointing out that when this is done, it will help reduce the crime rate in the area.

He also pleaded with the senior citizens to desist from intervening to plead for suspects whenever they are arrested by the security agencies and allow the due process of the law to take its course.

Mr Adam announced that the assembly is constructing a police station at Lamashegu, a suburb of Tamale, to decongest the central police station in the town.