The Republic and Senior Citizens Day
Fifty-five years ago, the historic Republican Constitution was promulgated. And, on June 30, 1960, the second and the last Governor, Lord Listowel, representing Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain as the Head of Independent Ghana, departed for good to close a chapter in the nation’s history.
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Ghana attained Republican status on July 1, 1960, with Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah as its first President. Consequently, Ghana was governed by a new Constitution, which was prepared by the citizens themselves based not only on the historical traditions and true character of Ghanaians, but also provided a form of government that truly interpreted and reflected the aspirations and hopes of the people, thus giving full expression to the African Personality concept.
This action, figuratively, severed the umbilical cord which tied the destiny of this country to the apron string of the colonial masters. Ghana, however, opted to remain in the British Commonwealth with the Queen as the ceremonial head.
The joy, splendour and solemnity that characterised the celebration were not only fantastic but infectious. The excitement was justifiable because after three years of Ghana’s attainment of independence, the country had been ruled under a Constitution that embraced provisions, institutions and customs deeply alien to its history, traditions and customs. In effect, as Ghana matured into freedom, the need for constitutional reforms became more and more insistent.
The First Republic, under Dr Kwame Nkrumah and his Convention People’s Party (CPP), had “Work and Happiness” as its slogan. Since his overthrow, there have been three other republics and other military interventions. The Second Republic, under the presidency of Mr Justice E. Akuffo Addo and led by Prof. Kofi Abrefa Busia’s Progress Party (PP), had “Progress, Prosperity and Being Your Brother’s Keeper” as its slogan. The Third Republic, under Dr Hilla Limann and his People’s National Party (PNP), came with the principle of “Rehabilitation and Rededication.”
The Fourth Republic, under Flt-Lt Jerry John Rawlings and his National Democratic Congress (NDC), put a stress on “Development, Stability, Probity, Accountability and Integrity.” Mr John Agyekum Kufuor and his New Patriotic Party (NPP) had “Development in Freedom and Positive Change” as their philosophy. The NDC, under the Presidency of Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, had an agenda of “Building A Better Ghana.” The same slogan is being used by Mr John Dramani Mahama who is now the President.
Adding meaning to Republic Day
There was a time when the Republic Day was relegated to the background. In order to make it more meaningful, it has been dedicated to the country’s senior citizens and designated as Senior Citizens Day in recognition and appreciation of their invaluable contributions towards the attainment of Independence, the Republic, nation building and the development efforts of this country.
The day is usually marked with luncheon parties for a cross section of senior citizens in all the regions. In Accra, the President uses the luncheon to interact with senior citizens who are invited to the function. Gifts are also presented to them. The occasion also serves as a reunion for them to share jokes and reminisce.
It is a fact that the value and experience of the aged cannot be qualified in monetary terms and must, therefore, not be allowed to go to waste. The nation stands to lose if these valuable assets are not fully utilised. In our part of the world, old age is not just a symbol of honour, it is also associated with wisdom, wise counsel and knowledge. The future course of any nation, therefore, cannot be clear without reference to the forebears in national reconstruction efforts.
There is so much goodwill for the Senior Citizens Day celebration that it should be developed as an effective avenue for mobilising the elderly to contribute meaningfully to national development efforts. They should be role models to the youth through their moral character.
It is very necessary to state that some families neglect or marginalise their aged to the point of making them destitute. Some face psychological and financial problems which render them lonely, hopeless and insecure. In some cases, old ladies are falsely accused of being witches, regarded as outcasts and banished from their towns or villages and sent to witch camps where inhuman treatment is meted to them.
Ironically, when they die, a lot of money is spent on their funeral. Expensive coffins and special cloths are bought. Also, sumptuous food and expensive drinks are served at the funeral and the ‘celebration’ goes deep into the night. What a shame! Such monies could have been used to cater for them when they were alive and wallowing in abject poverty.
Commendation
Our governments must be commended for recognising the role played by our senior citizens in the development of this country, mindful of the fact that a country which neglects its elderly people stands the risk of not having an experienced data bank to fall on in times of need.
Public education campaigns by the Information Services Department and National Commission on Civic Education to sensitise the public to the roles, responsibilities, rights and obligations of the aged are worth conducting.
Without prejudice to any laudable proposals the government may have up its sleeve, I humbly suggest the following for consideration. A department of geriatrics should be created within the Ministry of Employment to adequately attend to the needs of their experience, skills and knowledge for national development.
A national planning policy and a plan of action on ageing with specific targets, time frames and means of monitoring may be developed. Mechanism for the participation of older people in national and other committees should be formulated.
Proper records of the aged must be kept, not only for the sake of recognition but also as a ready source of reference. This will enable the government, at any point in time, to know the specific senior citizens to contact, considering the issue or matter under discussion. The aged should be actively involved at all levels of policy development, strategy formulation, action, implementation, monitoring and evaluation.
Strategy for health
The Ministry of Health may wish to develop and implement a strategy for the management of chronic health conditions that become more prevalent in old age such as dementia, hypertension and diabetes. Besides, older people with disabilities who are unable to subscribe to the costs of walking aids, dentures, glasses, prosthesis (artificial limbs) and other devices should be given access to them. Also, it is recommended that adequate and accessible creational and leisure facilities be provided to reduce boredom, loneliness and depression.
Transport costs for older people using public transport should be subsidised.
Though the government is making the necessary efforts to find solutions to the problems of the aged, family members should regard the welfare of their aged as an obligation and responsibility. They should not leave everything in the hands of the government which has a lot of social, economic and political issues to consider.
A Happy Republic and Senior Citizens Day to all Ghanaians.
The writer is a retired officer of the Information Services Department.
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