Cape Coast, Feb. 28, GNA- Nana Ato Arthur, the Central Regional Minister, on Wednesday called on Ghanaians to treat women, especially, the elderly ones with dignity and respect.

He noted that even though women in diverse ways contributed to national development, they were neglected during their old age. Nana Arthur made the observations in a speech read for him at a day's seminar to mark the International Women's Day, on the theme "contribution of women in nation building," in Cape Coast, in the Region.

Members of Christian and Islamic Women's groups, market women and dressmakers' association from the Region attended the seminar that was organized by the Depar tment of Women of the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs.

The Regional Minster noted that women provided psychological and physical support to the family and society at large and stressed that when younger women went to work, the elderly ones took care of their grand children.

Nana Arthur said because women in general played important roles in society, their education should be of paramount importance to all and sundry.

Mr Timothy Lord Mintah, Regional Director of the Ministry, said the programme for the Day was aimed at creating awareness on issues affecting women and to showcases their achievements.

He said this year's celebration was unique because it had coincided with Ghana's 50th anniversary celebration and said the Department was working hard to promote the role of women in society.

Mr Ekow Laryea, the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem District Director of the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, who spoke on "women's contribution to the economic development in Ghana with special reference to the private sector," said the role of Ghanaian women must be appreciated.

He urged women, especially those in the private sector to access credit facilities to enable them to expand their businesses to make them economically viable.

The women expressed concerns on indecent dressing, outmoded customs, and prevalence of divorce and appealed to Parliament to enact legislation to check moral decadence.