The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) presented to Parliament a bill seeking to amend portions of the 1992 Constitution that would allow political party participation in district level elections.

Article 243 (1) allows the President to appoint the chief executives while Article 55 (3) prohibits involvement of political parties local level elections.

The MLGRD has developed a road map on the conduct of a referendum in December to amend the Constitution.

"I am appealing to all of us to encourage our people to come and vote in their numbers for the amendment of the clause," Dr Bin-Salih said.

He said the election is very crucial in deepening the country's democracy as it would ensure greater grassroots participation in the electoral process.

Dr Bin-Salih was speaking during the 59th senior citizens day celebration in the Daffiama-Busie-Issa (DBI) District where four public sector retirees were honoured for their immense contribution to the country.

They included Mr Baba Hamid Osman, an  Educationist; Hajia Afisata Hamid, a Municipal Director of Education; Mr Evans Kpebah, a Regional Director of Education; and Madam Hellen Abudu, a Telephonist with the Regional Coordinating Council.

Dr Bin-Salih said the government has introduced many pro-poor policy interventions aimed at promoting agricultural productivity for food security.

It also seeks to develop the human capital base and provide employment opportunities for a vast majority of the people, mostly the young ones.

The Minister condemned open defecation being practised by some community members, saying: "It is sad to note that many people still attend natures call in the open".

Mr Nadi Imoro Sanda, the DBI District Chief Executive, said "it is exactly 59 years today since our nation Ghana became a republic and it is gratifying to see our senior citizens on this memorable day".