The Mawuli Estate community in Ho, the Volta Regional capital, has held a special ceremony and free health screening to honour its senior citizens for their immense contributions to the community’s growth and development over the years.
The colourful event, held at the Dora Memorial School Complex, brought together elders, youth, opinion leaders, and residents in a vibrant show of unity and appreciation. It featured cultural performances, poetry recitals, music, and heartfelt testimonies from family and friends of the honorees.
Chairperson of the Planning Committee, Seth Adoboe, explained that the event, themed “Celebrating the Aged; Caring for God’s Creation,” aimed to recognise the wisdom and sacrifices of the elderly, whom he described as pillars of peace, tradition, and progress.
He noted that Mawuli Estate is largely an elite, working-class community with an organised structure of executives and a council of elders who collaborate to plan and execute strategic initiatives. These include clean-up exercises, health walks, screenings, and welfare activities.
According to Mr. Adoboe, the community has also instituted a welfare scheme to provide financial, moral, and emotional support to members in both difficult and joyous times.
“Our senior citizens deserve more than just our respect. They deserve to be celebrated, supported, and cherished for laying the foundation upon which we build today,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to all donors, particularly the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, for his financial support and presence.
“Hon. Minister, your donation and presence at this program demonstrate not only your support for the community but also your love for the aged. We are grateful and pray for continued divine guidance in all your endeavours,” Mr. Adoboe added.
He further urged the Minister to address community concerns that were presented during a previous courtesy call.
The Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, praised the initiative and called for more such events to promote intergenerational bonding. He pledged to build a police post for the estate and donate streetlights to enhance safety.
Guest speaker Apostle Dr. Dela Quampah, Ho Area Head of the Church of Pentecost, encouraged the elderly to view old age as a blessing rather than a burden, urging them to remain thankful to God.
Some senior citizens received citations, hampers, and locally woven cloths as tokens of appreciation. Emotions ran high as some shared personal stories and advised the younger generation to uphold discipline, hard work, and communal values.
Speaking on behalf of the honorees, 89-year-old Madam Dora expressed heartfelt gratitude:
“It is not often that we, the elderly, are celebrated. Today, we feel loved, seen, and valued.”
She also called on the elderly not to be discouraged by their current conditions and appealed for volunteers to support aged residents in the estate.
The celebration concluded with a communal meal and dancing, reinforcing the strong sense of unity that defines the Mawuli Estate community.
Residents have widely praised the event, which is expected to become an annual tradition.
Source: Odehyeba Owusu Job