President John Mahama says he shares in the disappointment and frustrations of all Ghanaians in the wake of the challenges facing the country.

His comments come on the heels of mounting protests against current economic and social hardships in the country.

In the latest of such protests, more than 300 aggrieved Ghanaians have petitioned the President at the Flagstaff House to register their discontent with hard economic conditions in the country -- dubbed 'Occuply Flagstaff House'.

Addressing senior citizens at the Banquet Hall in commemoration of Ghana’s 54^th Republic Day celebrations on Tuesday July 1, 2014, the President said he has neither forgotten his promise to the people of Ghana when he was sworn in nor lost his ability to listen.

He said these at a State Luncheon held in honour of the senior citizens for their contributions towards nation building, Tuesday. 

Speaking on behalf of the senior citizens former Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), David Anaglatey, observed there was too much complaining in the country

The former broadcaster urged the media to highlight positive news to "cheer people up” in these difficult times.

Mr. Anaglatey, however, attributed the current economic hardships to the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP) and the price of Ghana’s primary export, cocoa, on the international market.

The senior citizen said it was imperative for the legislature to enact strict laws against nepotism to reduce unemployment figures in the country and increase productivity.

President Mahama admitted the nation has been hit by “several obstacles and challenges” some of which are still being resolved.

The President stressed the “time for talking has passed”.

He urged Ghanaians to work together with him for a prosperous nation.