The Western Regional Minister, Mr. Paul Evans Aidoo has urged senior citizens to come-up with development proposals to speed-up the progress of the nation.

Addressing a luncheon organised by the Regional Administration for senior citizens to mark this year's Republic Day on Sunday, he said senior citizens are still relevant to the development of the nation.

The Regional Minister entreated retired public servants to imbibe the spirit of patriotism in the younger generation of public servants to enable them to advance the cause of national development.

"It is good to criticize government policies on the air-waves but it is better to develop proposals that would accelerate development,” he said.

Mr. Aidoo appealed to them to preach peace in their respective communities, especially as the nation prepares for a general election, saying use your expertise as opinion leaders in society to ensure peace, harmony and tranquility.

Some of the senior citizens expressed various concerns including, delay in the payment of their pensions, inaccessibility to fertilizers for farming, indiscipline by the youth, disrespect shown to them by some nurses at some health facilities among others.

The Regional Minister pledged to address their concerns through the appropriate agencies and institutions to bring comfort to them.

Mr. Aidoo presented "Ghana-at-50" cloths to the senior citizens, who danced to old tunes as they were served with their favourite Ghanaian dishes.

The ceremony was attended by over 200 retired public servants and heads of department and agencies.**