When Will Ghana’s Politicians Put the Aged and Pensioners on their Political Agenda?

There is something I find particularly disturbing about Ghanaian politics. We spend considerable time discussing presidential ambitions, parliamentary primaries, party executives, political defections and the competition for power. Yet, an important section of our population appears to receive very little sustained attention from those seeking political office.

I am referring to our elderly citizens, particularly pensioners.

I have been following the 2026 United States midterm elections with considerable interest. What has caught my attention is not simply the competition between the Democrats and Republicans. It is the extent to which candidates brought the welfare of older Americans and the future of their Social Security programme into the political conversation.

Jon Ossoff of Georgia and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan are two examples worth examining. Their messages raise an important question for Ghanaian politicians: Why is retirement security not a major issue in our political campaigns?

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed: Social Security is not a Favour

Abdul El-Sayed made the welfare of older Americans a distinct component of his campaign under a programme he called Aging Affordably in America. His message was particularly revealing: "They deserve Medicare that covers all their health needs, Social Security they can live on, and a home they can afford to stay in." That is a remarkable statement because it recognizes three fundamental needs of older people: healthcare, adequate retirement income and secure accommodation. El-Sayed did not stop at general expressions of sympathy. He proposed specific measures. He supported removing the income ceiling on earnings subject to Social Security payroll taxes, arguing that wealthy Americans should contribute more towards sustaining the programme. He also proposed ending federal taxation of Social Security benefits.

On healthcare, he advocated removing Medicare premiums, deductibles and co-payments, while expanding coverage for dental, vision and hearing services. He also addressed the needs of older people who wish to remain in their own homes rather than depend on institutional care. These are concrete policy proposals. One may agree or disagree with the financing arrangements, but the important point is that the candidate was prepared to discuss them publicly.

During his debate with Republican Mike Rogers, El-Sayed was asked specifically how he would strengthen Social Security financially. His answer was that the income ceiling should be removed so that higher-income Americans contribute more towards the programme. He also opposed raising the retirement age, arguing that people who had worked hard throughout their lives should not be compelled to work additional years simply because the system was facing financial pressures. This is the sort of conversation I would like to hear in Ghana.

Jon Ossoff: Protect What Workers Have Earned

Senator Jon Ossoff also made protecting Social Security and Medicare central to his campaign message. In discussing his record, he said: "In the Senate, I have helped pass laws that strengthen Social Security benefits and empower Medicare to negotiate lower drug prices for Georgia's seniors." He further declared: "Together we will continue to defend Social Security and Medicare benefits."

Ossoff's message was particularly important because it connected retirement security with the broader cost-of-living debate. Older Americans were concerned about rising household expenses, medical costs and the sustainability of their retirement income. He argued that people who had contributed throughout their working lives deserved to receive the benefits they had earned. That is an important principle.

Social Security should not be treated as a political favour. It is a system built on contributions, statutory obligations and the expectation that workers will receive retirement protection when their productive years are over.

The American Elderly are Making Their Voices Heard

There is another interesting development. An AARP survey conducted around the 2026 midterm elections found that 90% of voters aged 50 and above considered protecting Social Security without cutting benefits very or extremely important. The concern crossed political boundaries, with Republicans, Democrats and independents expressing substantial support for protecting the programme. The survey also highlighted the financial implications of the projected Social Security funding shortfall. The significance of this finding cannot be overlooked.

American politicians understand that older voters are interested in more than political rhetoric. They want assurances that the contributions they have made throughout their working lives will translate into dependable retirement benefits. The elderly are not merely a group to be remembered during special celebrations. They are citizens whose economic security is an important measure of the country's social responsibility.

What is Happening in Ghana?
Let us return home. I have often wondered why Ghanaian politicians do not place Social Security and the welfare of pensioners at the center of their political discussions. I have listened to several political speeches and followed the activities of those seeking national leadership. We hear extensively about employment, roads, education, agriculture, industrialization, digitalization and economic growth. These are important subjects.

But how often do we hear candidates discussing the living conditions of existing pensioners? How often do they explain what they intend to do about the adequacy of monthly SSNIT pensions? How often do they discuss the long-term sustainability of the three-tier pension system, the investment of pension contributions, the accountability of pension fund managers and the representation of pensioners in pension governance?

I do not suggest that nobody has ever spoken about these matters. There have been some important commitments. However, they have not received the sustained political attention they deserve. Consider some recent developments.

Bawumia and the TUC Engagement
Dr Mahamudu Bawumia's October 28, 2026 engagement with the leadership of the Trades Union Congress touched on the cost of living, wages, employment, disability inclusion and pension improvements. In his public statement, he referred to discussions about "enhancing pensions". He also indicated that the parties had agreed to follow up on specific matters in subsequent meetings. This is welcome engagement. However, what exactly does enhancing pensions mean? Does it mean improving the annual indexation formula? Does it mean introducing more frequent adjustments to protect purchasing power? Does it mean reviewing the three-tier pension structure? Does it mean introducing a guaranteed minimum living pension? What does it mean for the pensioner who currently receives a monthly benefit that cannot adequately cover food, medication and electricity? These are questions that deserve specific answers.

It is also worth remembering that Bawumia's 2024 manifesto proposed an Ageing Act, geriatric care training, elderly-care facilities and special social assistance for older people not covered by existing programmes. Those proposals deserve attention and follow-through. But an elderly-care programme and a comprehensive reform of contributory pensions are not the same thing.

Mahama and the 13th-Month Pension Promise

President John Dramani Mahama has also made commitments concerning pensioners. In his 2020 manifesto, he promised an annual 13th-month pension bonus. The proposal was intended to provide pensioners with an additional payment every December. In July 2026, during the Republic Day Senior Citizens' Luncheon, he again pledged to improve pensions as the economy improved. His words were: "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 improve pensions..." That is an important acknowledgement. However, pensioners need to know when these improvements will materialize.

The 13th-month pension proposal was made years ago. What is its present status? Is it still part of the government's programme? What legislative amendments and financing arrangements would be required? When should pensioners expect implementation? A promise without a timeline creates uncertainty.

There is also the broader pension reform question. On March 18, 2026, President Mahama directed the Finance Minister to oversee a comprehensive review of Ghana's pension structure. He disclosed that fewer than two million out of an estimated 10 million workers were contributing regularly to pension schemes. He also expressed concern about the sustainability of the system and the need to expand coverage, particularly within the informal sector. In his words: "Our goal is clear, every Ghanaian worker must retire with dignity, with security, and with confidence in the pension system." This is an important policy commitment. Nevertheless, the review must address not only the interests of future retirees but also the immediate difficulties confronting existing pensioners. We must not become so preoccupied with protecting tomorrow's retirees that we forget those who are already retired. The central dilemma remains: if the daily schedules of the Finance Ministers are already stretched to the limit, how feasible is it for him to undertake a rigorous pension review? A task of this magnitude demands nothing less than a Presidential Commission.

Why are Ghanaian Politicians So Quiet about Pensioners?

This is perhaps the most uncomfortable question. Why should the welfare of older citizens receive so little attention in our political campaigns? I can think of several possible explanations.

First, our politics is excessively focused on the immediate electoral cycle. Political parties are often interested in issues that produce visible campaign results. Roads, schools, hospitals, employment programmes and other infrastructure projects are easier to present at rallies. Pension reform, on the other hand, involves long-term commitments, actuarial considerations, investment performance, statutory obligations and financial sustainability. It is technically demanding, but that should not make it politically unimportant.

Second, pensioners are not sufficiently represented in national political decision-making. We have organized labour representing active workers. We have professional associations, business groups, youth organizations and other interest groups engaging political leaders. But where is the equivalent level of sustained political engagement for retired workers? Pensioners should not have to depend entirely on the goodwill of politicians or the occasional invitation to a presidential luncheon. They deserve institutional representation in discussions affecting their retirement income.

Third, politicians may underestimate the economic vulnerability of older people. Retirement does not mean that a person's financial obligations disappear. Pensioners still pay rent, electricity bills, water bills, transportation costs and medical expenses. Many continue supporting children and grandchildren. Age also brings additional healthcare needs. A pension that was adequate several years ago may no longer meet the same household requirements today. The annual indexation of pensions must therefore be examined against the actual cost of living.

Fourth, there is a tendency to regard pensioners as people who have already received their share of national development. This is a misconception that must be challenged. Pensioners are not asking for charity. They are asking for the fulfilment of obligations arising from years of service and contributions. They contributed to the development of this country. They helped educate the present generation, build public institutions, sustain the civil service and provide essential services. Their retirement should not become a period of economic punishment.

What Should Ghanaian Political Parties Commit Themselves To?

I believe the time has come for both the NPP and NDC to make pension security a central part of their national policy discussions.

I would like to see the following issues addressed.

1. A guaranteed minimum living pension: Ghana needs a serious national discussion about establishing a minimum pension that reflects the cost of basic necessities.
2. More responsive pension indexation: Annual indexation should be examined to determine whether it adequately protects the purchasing power of retirees. Consideration should be given to a mechanism for responding to significant inflationary pressures during the year.
3. A 13th-month pension: If this proposal remains on the government's agenda, it should be accompanied by a clear implementation timetable and sustainable financing arrangements.
4. Greater accountability in pension management: SSNIT, NPRA and private pension fund managers must be accountable for their decisions, investment performance and obligations to contributors and beneficiaries.
5. Pensioner representation: Retirees should have meaningful representation in the institutions responsible for managing and regulating their pension interests.
6. Affordable healthcare for older people: The NHIS and other healthcare arrangements must adequately respond to the needs of ageing citizens, including access to essential medication and geriatric services.
7. A comprehensive review of Act 766: The review should address pension adequacy, contribution structures, investment governance, benefit calculations and the protection of pensioners' interests.

These should not be treated as partisan proposals. They are national issues that deserve bipartisan consideration.

Retirement Security is a National Responsibility

One of the lessons I draw from the American political debate is that the welfare of older people can be made a mainstream electoral issue. Dr. Abdul El-Sayed was prepared to discuss how wealthy Americans should contribute more towards sustaining Social Security. Jon Ossoff made protecting earned benefits part of his campaign message. They were not simply celebrating senior citizens. They were discussing how to finance, protect and improve the systems on which older people depend. That is the difference between ceremonial recognition and substantive policy commitment.

In Ghana, we must move beyond celebrating Senior Citizens' Day and organizing annual luncheons for the aged. We need policies that improve their everyday lives. Our politicians must remember that today's active workers are tomorrow's pensioners. The young person who is entering the labour market today will eventually grow old. The public servant, teacher, nurse, soldier, police officer and private-sector employee who contributes to a pension scheme is entitled to expect that the system will protect them in retirement. A country that fails to protect its elderly citizens sends a disturbing message to its younger population about the value of a lifetime of service and contribution.

A Question for Our Presidential Hopefuls

I want to challenge the presidential hopefuls of both the NPP and NDC. Beyond the usual promises of employment, roads, schools and economic growth:

1. What is your comprehensive policy for Ghana's aged and pensioners?
2. What will you do about the adequacy of SSNIT pensions?
3. What is your position on the 13th-month pension?
4. What reforms will you introduce to protect the purchasing power of retirees?
5. How will you ensure accountability in the management of pension funds?
6. When will these promises be implemented, and how will they be financed?

We do not need another general declaration that pensioners deserve better treatment. We need commitments, timelines, financing arrangements and measurable outcomes. The elderly have given the best years of their lives to this country. They should not have to spend their remaining years begging for the dignity they have earned.

Let us make retirement security an election issue in Ghana. The aged deserve more than our sympathy. They deserve our commitment.

FUSEINI ABDULAI BRAIMAH
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