Accra: President John Dramani Mahama hosted a luncheon on Friday to honor the nation's senior citizens, marking the culmination of this year's Republic Day Celebration on July 1. The event, held at the Presidential Villa in Accra, was attended by Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and gathered a distinguished group of former government officials, academics, and other notable figures.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama expressed gratitude to the senior citizens for their lifetime contributions to national development. He highlighted the annual gathering as a cherished event on the national calendar, providing an opportunity to honor those who have laid the foundation for the Republic. Despite traditionally being held on Republic Day, the luncheon was postponed this year due to Ghana's second National Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by senior citizens in laying the groundwork for modern-day Ghana. He noted that Republic Day serves as a reminder of the enduring ideals of freedom, justice, equality, patriotism, hard work, and service to the country.
Addressing the attendees, President Mahama acknowledged the pivotal roles they played in shaping the nation's history, from witnessing independence to nurturing industries and raising generations of patriotic Ghanaians. He praised their dedication to national service, often performed under challenging conditions and with modest rewards.
The President expressed the nation's indebtedness to its senior citizens, emphasizing the values and traditions they have left behind. He assured them that their voices and experiences remain crucial to the nation's progress and that their counsel would always be welcome.
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang also thanked the senior citizens for their past and ongoing contributions to the nation. She reiterated the government's commitment to honoring their sacrifices by working towards economic stability, job creation, healthcare improvements, educational advancements, and industrial transformation.