Hon Gilbert Ken Asmah, Municipal Chief Executive for Tarkwa-Nsuaem has challenged Ghanaians to restore the spirit of patriotism and volunteerism as a contribution to national development as Ghana marks fifty-eight years after gaining republican status.

The President's representative for the Tarkwa-Nsuaem Municipality on Sunday, July 1, 2018, disclosed this at a colourful get-together party held to honour and appreciate senior citizens.

Hon Gilbert Asmah in his submission drew the attention of the gathering on the need to recognise the tremendous sacrifices senior citizens of the country had made towards the progress of the nation. 

“In all humility, I would want us to ponder over possible measure we can identify to restore the spirit of volunteerism and patriotism in our society especially at a time like this when some Ghanaians, especially the youth, are losing their sense of active citizenship, moral fibre and patriotism".

According to him, it was incumbent on the nation to honour the achievements of its forefathers and senior citizens whose sense of volunteerism and patriotism, delivered “unto us this enviable nation called Ghana.” 

"Exactly 58 years today since we became a Republican state, and introspective reflection of whether or not our aspirations have been met still remains a doubt in the minds of many Ghanaians,” he wondered. 
He explained further, that in spite of that doubt, he was boastful that Ghana had achieved some level of socio-economic and political advancement in the midst of the numerous challenges.

Hon Asmah called on all to embrace Planting for Export and Rural Development, PERP and District Chamber for Agriculture Commerce and Technology, DCACT, this he believes was the surest way to strengthen our industrialization drive. He hinted that Tarkwa-Nsuaem chose to grow cocoa, coconut and oil palm, currently, lots of seedlings are being nursed for farmers to grow, he added.

His voice was reechoed by an NPP member of the Council of Elders for the Tarkwa-Nsuaem constituency, Mrs Ababio who was Chairman for the occasion, in her submission, she lamented about the poor environmental situation and indiscipline that had engulfed the country. 

She stressed the need for Ghanaians to have a change of attitude and put an end to the indiscriminate littering in the streets of our country, Mrs Ababio urged the citizenry to take advantage of what she described as the social intervention policies of the current Nana Akufo-Addo led NPP administration such as the free senior high school policy, One District, One factory, Nation Builders Corps, Planting for food and jobs and One village one Dam respectively.

In attendance were Senior citizens, Assembly members, traditional Authorities, NPP council of Elders and Patrons, security agencies, civil society groups etc.