Regional News of Friday, 18 February 2005

Source: GNA

Foudation fetes the aged

Bokankye (Ash), Feb 18, GNA-Mr Kojo Keelson popularly known as "African Child," a businessman on Monday feted about 50 members of the Aged Society of Bokankye and Sene in the Atwima district of Ashanti. The occasion, which coincided with the celebration of Valentine's Day, was also used to educate the aged on the significance of the Day. Speaking at the function, Mr Keelson asked the aged to exhibit a lot of love for their grandchildren by showing particular interest in their education and welfare to enable them to grow up to become useful citizens.

The Reverend George M.K. Adubofour, Director of the Foundation, noted that a country that does not recognise the contributions of its aged was doomed to failure.

That is why, he said, the rich experience of the aged must be tapped to move the country forward and asked the aged to constantly advise the youth to lead morally decent lives.

Rev Adubofour regretted that the celebration of the Valentine's Day had been turned into sexual activities in the country by the present generation and explained that Saint Valentine was a man of God who cared for the aged and needy in society.

He therefore, asked people, particularly the youth to re-think the purpose of the celebration by emulating Saint Valentine for the celebration to live up to its true meaning.

Rev. Adubofour believed that through interactions, the true meaning of the celebration will emerge so that the coming years will see a change for the celebration to assume its real significance. He appealed to other public-spirited people and organisations to emulate Mr Keelson and support the work of the foundation towards caring for the aged.

Madam Esther Awuah, caretaker of the Bokankye Methodist Church, asked the aged to stop undermining themselves and live in peace and unity to enable them to enjoy their remaining years.