President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving pensions, healthcare and social protection for older Ghanaians, describing senior citizens as the generation whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the country’s development.
Addressing the annual Republic Day Senior Citizens’ Luncheon at the Presidency, President Mahama said the event was an opportunity for the nation to honour the men and women whose dedication helped build modern Ghana.
“It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you all to this year’s Republic Day Senior Citizens’ Luncheon. This annual gathering has become one of the most cherished events on our national calendar because it affords us the opportunity to pause from the pressures of governance and daily life to honour those who sacrificed their wisdom, resilience, and patriotism to lay the foundation upon which we continue to build our Republic,” he said.
The President explained that although the luncheon is traditionally held on Republic Day, it was postponed this year because July 1 was dedicated to Ghana’s second National Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer.
“I believe it is therefore most fitting that only two days later, we gather once again, this time to give thanks for another priceless blessing: the lives and service of our senior citizens,” he stated.
Paying tribute to the older generation, President Mahama said they had witnessed and shaped many of Ghana’s defining moments.
“Many of the conveniences we enjoy today exist because your generation made sacrifices without expecting any applause.
The nation owes you a debt that can never be fully repaid. On behalf of the people of Ghana, I say thank you. I say ‘Ayekoo.'”
He praised senior citizens for leaving behind institutions, values and traditions that continue to guide the country, noting that many remain active as mentors, counsellors and community leaders even in retirement.
“As President, I assure you that your voices and experience will continue to matter, and your counsel will always be welcome,” he said.
President Mahama stressed that the greatest way to honour senior citizens was by building a nation worthy of their sacrifices.
He said government remains committed to restoring economic stability, creating jobs, strengthening healthcare and education, modernising agriculture and accelerating industrial transformation through the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
“Through the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Program, we are laying the foundations for sustained economic growth that creates opportunities across every region of our country,” he said.
The President also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of older persons through enhanced healthcare and social protection.
“Government remains committed to improving social protection systems and strengthening healthcare services to ensure that our older populations can age with dignity and peace of mind,” he said.
He highlighted the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, to support the treatment of non-communicable diseases, many of which affect older people.
“This is why the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, otherwise named MahamaCares, has been set up to assist with non-communicable diseases, many of which are geriatric and complications of aging. I urge our senior citizens to take advantage of this initiative to help fund any health issues you might be dealing with,” he added.
President Mahama further pledged that improvements in the economy would translate into better pensions for retirees.
“I pledge to our senior citizens that as the economy improves, we will improve not only wages and salaries for the active working population, but also pensions for those who have sacrificed tirelessly for our dear nation, Ghana,” he said.
The President also called on families and communities to continue caring for the elderly, arguing that respect for older people remains a defining feature of African society.
“Our elderly parents are not consigned to old people’s homes. They age in dignity, surrounded by a loving family. That is the social support of the African culture,” he said.
He cautioned against allowing modernisation to weaken Ghana’s traditional family values and urged the younger generation to respect and seek the wisdom of their elders.
“You must therefore listen to your parents. You must respect your grandparents. You must seek the counsel of your elders because they will not be here forever,” he advised.
Concluding his address, President Mahama assured senior citizens that their contributions would never be forgotten.
“Today, we celebrate you as senior citizens. We honor your resilience. We salute your patriotism. We acknowledge your sacrifices. And we assure you that Ghana will never forget.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
