Task of nation building is a continuous process – Veep
Accra, July 1, GNA – Vice President John
Dramani Mahama, on Wednesday noted that the task of nation
building is a continuous process and commended the people
who used their vision, foresight, dedication and commitment
to develop Ghana.
“Nation building is a continuous process. We
are all called upon to perform this task at one point in
time. We commend you for your mark of dignity, which has
contributed to the liberty and freedom we all enjoy today,”
Mr Mahama stated at a State luncheon to mark the country’s
49th Republic Day.
The Day, which marks the climax of Ghana’s process towards
political autonomy from the UK in 1960, has been set aside
to feat senior citizens comprising mainly retired public
servants for their contribution towards the progress of the
country.
Vice President Mahama said in spite of the valuable
contribution of the senior citizens, the nation was still
confronted with the task of providing quality education,
efficient healthcare, food and housing for the citizenry.
He said: “Fortunately, we have the human resource, the
structures and institutions of State, which you have
bequeathed to us, to enable us tackle these challenges.
“Ï believe we can achieve these objectives when we are
united as one people under the visionary leadership of
Professor John Evans Atta Mills,” he said.
Vice President Mahama assured the senior citizens that
efforts to reform the National Pension Scheme, would ensure
that every Ghanaian would be able to live a dignified life
during retirement.
“We also know that old age tends to be associated with all
sorts of debilitating ailments for which regular medical
attention is required. Even though the elderly enjoy some
aspects of free medical care, government intends to review
the current arrangements and ensure the provision of a
comprehensive medical support programme for the elderly as
society’s contribution for your service to the country,” he
said.
He said government would encourage and support middle level
health personnel to study geriatrics (the branch of medicine
that deals with the diseases and problems of old age), and
provide facilities at the various health facilities for
practitioners.
The Vice President also reiterated government’s intention to
celebrate the centenary anniversary of the founder of the
nation, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The programme of activities would commence on September 21
(birth day of Dr Nkrumah) and end on May 25 next year
(African Union Day).
He said this dates were landmarks in the life of Dr Nkrumah,
stressing that it is not possible to remember Dr Nkrumah
without recognizing his contribution to African
de-colonization and African Unity.
“The two dates enclose a period of celebration as well as
examining Nkrumah’s monumental contribution to Ghana and
African history,” he said.
Vice President Mahama said the Kwame Nkrumah Centenary
National Planning Committee, was tasked to ensure that the
programme’s framework adhered to the true national
character.
He said the programme involved all sections of the Ghanaian
society and sensitive to both national aspirations and the
international dimensions of Osagyefo Dr Nkrumah.
The Police Band and the International High Life maestro
Jewel Ackah entertained the guest with good old highlife
tunes such as “Srikyi Duku,”Srikyi Medley Highlife,
”Äkpeteshie Seller,” “Sika Ye Moya,” and “Work and
Happiness.
GNA
