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The Eastern Regional Minister, Victor Smith, has raised concerns about how a section of the public condemn some traditional leaders who support and appreciate government policies and programmes which are development based. According to him, these leaders are seen as indulging in chieftaincy politics for commending government and urged the public to erase that erroneous impression. He said government since it came to power over three years ago has chalked up successes which cannot be ignored and needs to be appreciated. Mr Smith raised the concern when he hosted some senior citizens who have contributed in diverse ways to ensure the development of the region. This also formed part of activities to mark this year�s Republic Day Celebrations. The occasion brought together all the 21 Municipal and District Chief Executives in the region, traditional authorities and other retired staff of government agencies. According to him, government appreciates the role traditional leaders are playing in the nation�s development and does not see any politics in acknowledging it policies. He urged traditional leaders not to be distracted by such condemnations but focus on supporting government�s development agenda to move the nation forward. He called on the nation not to ignore the ideas and expertise of senior citizens since they play significant role in nation building. Mr Smith expressed concern at about illegal mining and chieftaincy disputes in the region which he noted, affected the progress of the area and promised to put in measures to find a lasting solution. He urged King Makers to use the right channel in enstooling Chiefs since anyone who attempts to take the law into his own hands will be dealt with accordingly. As part of the occasion, over forty senior citizens were awarded for their immerse contribution to the development of the country. In Kumasi, Senior Citizens were hosted to a luncheon by the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council at the residency as part of the Republic Day Celebrations. They were treated to old tunes rendered by the Ghana Police Band. The Ashanti Regional Minister, Kwaku Agyeman-Mensah, said though Ghana has come a long way, in terms of development a lot still remains to be done towards achieving the �Better Ghana Agenda�. He said it behooves on workers and the service of government to continue to work hard and eschew tendencies that tend to derail efforts towards the accelerated development of the country. Dr Agyeman-Mensah noted that government had undertaken a lot of initiatives geared towards improving the living standards of Ghanaians. It is therefore important for all and sundry to rally behind government to facilitate the realization of national objectives. He challenged both civil and public servants to be time conscious and work hard to enhance productivity. As the nation prepares for the general elections in December, the Regional Minister appealed to the senior citizens to engage the youth in particular to see the need to always seek peace and desist from all anti-social and criminal activities that can mar the beauty of the country�s democracy.