Bolgatanga, Nov. 11, GNA - The Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Boniface Gambila, on Saturday appealed to the Regional Branch of the Ghana Veterans Association to use their rich experience to instill discipline among the youth.

They can do so by educating the youth on the benefits of discipline, hard work, good moral standards and other virtues that could contribute to the development and progress of society. Mr. Gambila made the call at the 61st Remembrance Day Celebration in Bolgatanga.

He expressed concern about the rampant indiscipline among the youth, which was manifested in the spate of armed robbery, teenage pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, low productivity and other social vices. He called on the Veterans to use durbars and seminars as platforms to educate the youth about the dangers of indiscipline.

The Regional Minister said Ghanaian Security Agencies had exhibited high professionalism and discipline in the discharge of their duty particularly, on peacekeeping missions.

He explained that in recognition of the immense contributions of ex-service men and war veterans to national development, the Government had instituted an enhanced pension scheme for them. Mr. Gambila urged the veterans to practice good health habits, including regular physical exercises and refraining from taking tobacco and excessive alcohol.

He urged the veterans to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable them to access affordable and quality health care. The Regional Minister laid a wreath on behalf of Government at the ceremony. The Regional Police Commander, Ofosu Mensah-Gyeabour, also laid one on behalf of the security agencies, while Mr. Stephen Abodein, a former assemblyman for the Dagmeo Electoral Area of the Bolgatanga Municipality, laid another wreath on behalf of traditional authorities. Group Captain Darko Offei Lomotey of the Police Service conducted a 130-member parade of security services comprising the Police, Fire Service, Customs, Excise and Preventive Service and ex-servicemen. Also present at the occasion was the Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Alhaji Awudu Yiremeah, a Member of the Council of State, Mr. Francis Afoko, and other dignitaries.