Gender Ministry launches project for aged
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has launched the Eban Elderly Welfare Card, a priority identity card which will enable the elderly to enjoy preferential treatment in the use of some social services.
Advertisement
The card will allow the aged, 65 years and above, to board the Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Bus at a 50 per cent reduced fare. The card will also help the aged to skip queues in banks, hospitals and give them priority in accessing services in other places.
According to the Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP), Nana Oye Lithur, the card was designed in adherence to the third pillar of the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing which is to ensure an enabling and supportive environment for the aged.
Effort so far
Speaking at the launch of the card in Accra on Monday, she said the ministry had registered 1,200 elderly men and women under the pilot scheme of the card.
She stated that the ministry had been to Kumasi to interact with 400 elderly persons and was hoping to reach out to not less than 450 elderly persons in Cape Coast.
She said 3,650 elderly persons had also been registered for free under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), and indicated that, the ministry was almost through with their negotiations with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to reduce the fare for elderly people who patronised their services.
Nana Lithur added that the ministry had worked very hard to put measures in place to ensure the sustainability of the exercise, stressing that “this initiative is very sustainable. We have been in talks and negotiations with the MMT for a year and half and their full cooperation is assured”.
“I call on individuals and organisations to come on board so that together, we can improve the lives of all our beloved elderly people across Ghana”, she said.
Other Trending Stories
Greater Accra Minister’s remarks
The Greater Accra Regional Minister, Mr Joshua Nii Laryea Afotey Agbo, who chaired the function, lauded the ministry for the initiative and entreated elderly men and women to take good care of themselves.
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mrs Joyce Bawa Mugtari, said the elderly had worked hard in their youthful days to contribute their quota to national development and it was, therefore, necessary to support them live comfortably.
She also said her ministry was ready to support the initiative to enable the elderly to live purposefully.