Accra, July 1, GNA - Vice President John Dramani Mahama, on Wednesday noted that the task of nation building is a continuous process and commended the people who used their vision, foresight, dedication and commitment to develop Ghana. "Nation building is a continuous process. We are all called upon to perform this task at one point in time. We commend you for your mark of dignity, which has contributed to the liberty and freedom we all enjoy today," Mr Mahama stated at a State luncheon to mark the country's 49th Republic Day.

The Day, which marks the climax of Ghana's process towards political autonomy from the UK in 1960, has been set aside to feat senior citizens comprising mainly retired public servants for their contribution towards the progress of the country. Vice President Mahama said in spite of the valuable contribution of the senior citizens, the nation was still confronted with the task of providing quality education, efficient healthcare, food and housing for the citizenry.

He said: "Fortunately, we ha ve the human resource, the structures and institutions of State, which you have bequeathed to us, to enable us tackle these challenges. "=CF believe we can achieve these objectives when we are united as one people under the visionary leadership of Professor John Evans Atta Mills," he said.

Vice President Mahama assured the senior citizens that efforts to reform the National Pension Scheme, would ensure that every Ghanaian would be able to live a dignified life during retirement. "We also know that old age tends to be associated with all sorts of debilitating ailments for which regular medical attention is required. Even though the elderly enjoy some aspects of free medical care, government intends to review the current arrangements and ensure the provision of a comprehensive medical support programme for the elderly as society's contribution for your service to the country," he said. He said government would encourage and support middle level health personnel to study geriatrics (the branch of medicine that deals with the diseases and problems of old age), and provide facilities at the various health facilities for practitioners.

The Vice President also reiterated government's intention to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the founder of the nation, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

The programme of activities would commence on September 21 (birth day of Dr Nkrumah) and end on May 25 next year (African Union Day). He said this dates were landmarks in the life of Dr Nkrumah, stressing that it is not possible to remember Dr Nkrumah without recognizing his contribution to African de-colonization and African Unity. "The two dates enclose a period of celebration as well as examining Nkrumah's monumental contribution to Ghana and African history," he said.

Vice President Mahama said the Kwame Nkrumah Centenary National Planning Committee, was tasked to ensure that the programme's framework adhered to the true national character.

He said the programme involved all sections of the Ghanaian society and sensitive to both national aspirations and the international dimensions of Osagyefo Dr Nkrumah.

The Police Band and the International High Life maestro Jewel Ackah entertained the guest with good old highlife tunes such as "Srikyi Duku,"Srikyi Medley Highlife, "=C4kpeteshie Seller," "Sika Ye Moya," and "Work and Happiness.