Government to giver free social services to pensioners

Ho, Dec 06, GNA - The government will consider providing certain social benefits to pensioners.

These will include "free or substantially subsidized transportation cost, free medical treatment, reduced tickets to public and social events for all senior citizens".

Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, said this in an address read on his behalf at the fifth delegates' conference of the Ghana Government Pensioners Association (GGPA) in Ho.

He said the government "will review the quantum of the allowances paid to some public sector retirees who draw monthly allowances under the General Orders 400 (GO 400-Allowances for Non- Pensionable Officers)."

Mr Baah-Wiredu assured the pensioners that the government "will continue to pay all your benefits but please bear with us when there are delays even though it may be difficult for you".

Mr Sam A. Ababio, the National Secretary of the GGPA, appealed to the government to consider extending free medical care to all pensioners who are 60 years instead of 70 years.

Mr Ababio also appealed to the government to review the National Health Insurance Law to include old-age diseases including diabetes and urine retention because those diseases constituted the most challenging health problem of the aged in terms of cost.