Honoring and celebrating the elderly remains a significant challenge among children and institutions in many parts of the country. Often, children and relatives leave their elderly family members alone in villages while they travel to cities for work, resulting in loneliness and unseen emotional trauma for the aged.
Addressing this issue, the Saint Paul Miki Catholic Church in Nabango, Kassena Nankana West District of the Upper East Region, organized a get-together party on Saturday, June 22, 2024, to honor and celebrate over 100 elderly community members.
This initiative aimed to address the often-overlooked challenges faced by the aged, such as loneliness and emotional trauma, exacerbated by the migration of their children and relatives to urban areas for work.
Amoah Norbert Achemwira, the lead organizer and Parish Finance Council Chairman from St. Paul Miki Catholic Church, Nabango, explained that the event’s purpose was to honor and entertain the elderly, providing them with a sense of belonging and assurance that they are not alone.
“We want them to feel appreciated and cherished,” Mr. Achemwira said, emphasizing the emotional and psychological benefits of such events.
The Saint Oscar Kassena Nankana Union of OLA Catholic Cathedral Parish in Tamale recognized the significance of this initiative and supported the organizers with a donation of GH₵ 4,000.00. The union, led by members Williams Abitto, Charles Wontewe, and others, attended the event to celebrate with the elderly.
Mr. Wontewe, a Patron and Elder of the Union, stressed the importance of institutions recognizing and celebrating the aged.
“It will not only make them feel they belong but will also improve their living standards,” he noted.
Mr. Wontewe also pointed out that while not scientifically proven, he believed loneliness could contribute to premature death among the rural elderly.
The event was marked by food, drinks, music, and dance, creating a joyous atmosphere. Many elders described the day as memorable and offered prayers for the organizers and supporters.
Mr. Apeligiba Patrick, St. Paul Miki Vice Chairman, another organizer, assured attendees that the celebration would be an annual event, as it was observed last year and again this year.
He therefore expressed hope that next year’s event would be even more exciting.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1MHz|Moses Apiah|Bolgatanga
