Free Transport For Aged Soon - Oye Lithur

The Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Nana Oye Lithur, has initiated talks with Metro Mass Transport (MMT) Limited to provide free transport for the aged throughout the country. When the agreement is concluded, the aged will be given special identity cards for easy identification to access the free transport. Nana Oye Lither made this known at a donation exercise targeted at the aged in Accra. At the ceremony, she stated that though growing old is natural, growing up is optional; therefore systems and structures must be put in place to ensure that the process is a smooth transition. According to her, the constitution makes comprehensive provisions that guarantee the fundamental rights and liberties of every individual, including the aged. Nana Oye stated that it was in that light that the National Policy on Aging with some specific interventions to promote the welfare of the elderly was adopted. She announced that her Ministry in collaboration with the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) is in the process of drafting a Bill for enactment by Parliament to facilitate the establishment of the National Council on Aging Policy. She called on all stakeholders to help create structures that will help the aged. Nana Oye Lithur thanked the sponsors for making the donations possible. Her Excellency, Mrs Lordina Mahama, Nestle, NLA, SANITA, ICE PAK, Guinness Ghana, Direct Aid Ghana, Akumaa Mama Zimbi and Gifty Osei were the sponsors. At the function, the aged were treated to music, drinks and food. Each person received a piece of cloth, rice and Chocolim.