Senior citizens in Ashaiman have voiced their appreciation for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), highlighting the party’s commitment to the welfare of older people during a stakeholder engagement on Sunday, June 30, 2024.
Gathering in significant numbers, elderly residents expressed their desire for the NDC to reclaim power, underscoring their support for local Member of Parliament, Hon. Ernest Norgbey, and advocating for a victory for former President John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming 2024 elections.
Attendees at the event, jointly organized by the NDC’s Gender, Children, and Social Protection Committee alongside MP Ernest Norgbey and local party executives, lauded the party’s efforts in recognizing and supporting senior citizens. Approximately 300 elderly individuals were honoured during the festivities, which preceded the party’s manifesto launch.
The initiative resonates with previous NDC administrations’ traditions of commemorating senior citizens on Republic Day, July 1. However, recent changes under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration reclassified the day as a commemorative event rather than a national holiday dedicated to celebrating older people.
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Chairperson of the NDC’s Gender, Children, and Social Protection Committee, emphasized the significance of the event’s timing and moved it to June 30 to accommodate the removal of July 1 as a holiday.
“As a social democratic party, the NDC values and respects our elderly population, especially during financial hardship,” noted Nana Oye. “John Dramani Mahama has tasked our committee, alongside Hon. Ernest Norgbey, to engage directly with Ashaiman’s elderly community, listening to their concerns and gathering their insights on governance.”
MP Ernest Norgbey reaffirmed Ashaiman’s staunch support for the NDC, highlighting the constituency’s pivotal role in the party’s electoral strategy.
“We want our senior citizens to know they are highly esteemed. Our manifesto includes robust policies that will directly benefit them under a John Mahama administration,” declared MP Norgbey.
The event featured cultural performances, shared meals, and an open forum for elderly residents to articulate their expectations for potential governance under John Mahama. Attendees received care packages containing essential items such as rice, cooking oil, fabrics, confectionery, and beverages.
In addition to the event, MP Norgbey and representatives from the Gender, Children, and Social Protection Committee visited veteran NDC members and other senior citizens throughout Ashaiman, extending gestures of appreciation and solidarity.
Senior citizens commended the NDC for its genuine concern for their welfare and urged party leaders to continue supporting MP Norgbey in mobilizing support and securing votes. They praised his unwavering dedication to the constituency despite political challenges.
Sunday’s engagement in Ashaiman follows similar outreach efforts targeting persons with disabilities in Essikado-Ketan and Shama in the Western Region and Cape Coast in the Central Region. These efforts showcase the NDC’s commitment to inclusivity and community engagement ahead of the 2024 elections.
Source:Newsghana.com.gh