By J. K Nabary
Winneba (C/R) June 11, GNA- The Winneba District Branch of the National Pensioners Association (NPA) has been inaugurated with a call on the executives to make socialisation and visitation of their members their topmost priority.
Mr Samuel Apow, General Secretary of the National Pensioners Association (NPA), who speaking at the inauguration made the call at Winneba, said socialisation and visitation would let them know the challenges of the members.
Knowing the challenges would enable them to offer a helping hand to put smiles on the faces of their members.
Mr Apow said the Winneba local was inaugurated two years ago with the task to create more locals to expand the Winneba branch.
He thanked the Almighty God for guiding the leadership of the Winneba branch for working assiduously for the inauguration to materialise, adding that with their recognition now as a district, they should nurture the local to grow.
He praised all who cooperated to make their dream come true.
He also congratulated the district and local branches who had weaned themselves to improve their welfare and build their own recreational centres.
They should also venture into hospitality business to earn funds to support their projects,” he added.
Mr Apow announced that the Pensioners’ Medical Scheme which was introduced to help them access healthcare in designated hospitals in the country had become the association’s fully-grown project.
It had taken off well and was providing great support to members across the country.
“Yet, we agree that, like any system, improvement is necessary as we strive for perfection and it behoves on all of us to help raise it to the standard where we are expecting it to be. I thank all our partner hospitals for their support,” he added.
Earlier in the day, Ms Diana Duodu, the Winneba District Chapter Secretary, informed the gathering that the Chapter initially commenced as a local group by a small number of pensioners who came together supporting one another and addressing their concerns some years back.
She said they operated as a local under the Agona-Swedru District Chapter and with the support and encouragement by the former Central Regional Secretary, Mr Charles Okai, now the National Vice Chairman, it focused on the goal to attain district status.
“Under the leadership of our early executives who build trust among themselves ourselves and the directives of the National Secretariat strengthened us to lay the foundation for the district’s future.”
There are five locals- Winneba, Sankro, Ansaful, Kojo Beedu and Kwendrum- operating from their respective offices to serve pensioners closer to their communities.”
She stated that many of their founding leaders who carried the vision had passed on, leaving two living legends, Mr Emmanuel Kilson and Mr I O Arthur whom they honour and acknowledge for their sacrifice and service.
“Today’s inauguration is not the end but the beginning of a stronger, more organised structure to serve our members and the need for us honour those who started this journey by committing ourselves to unity, discipline and service to ourselves and may this district become a model of what pensioners can achieve when we work together”.
She called on all to reach out to retirees in our communities and sensitised them on the need to join the association to also benefit its numerous fruits
The Central Region has eight districts, Winneba, Cape Coast, Kasoa, Agona Swedru, Assin Fosu, Praso, Breman Asikuma and Ajumako-Eyan-Essiam under it.
The occasion was graced by the national executives led by Mr Michael Asamoah, Chairman; Mr Stephen Boachi, National Pensioners President; Central Regional and Agona Swedru Chapter Executives.
Traditional leaders, opinion leaders, security agencies, officials from SSNIT, sister pension association representatives, corporate institutions and companies also presented goodwill messages.
GNA
Edited by Alice Tettey/Benjamin Mensah