Any Government Concrete Policy, Action Aid And Care For The Elderly In Ghana?

Attention: Ms Otiko Afisa Djaba, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection

It is indeed true that the only life journey certain for mankind on this harsh and hot earth is ageing, and positively or negatively becoming old. However, the sad reality is that those who are lucky to have children are normally are ‘assured’ of caring-insurance during latter inactive old age.

Now the question is do we have any government policy or measures in place for the elderly let alone elderly with disabilities in our society? There are older people in Ghana with no child or any sources of guaranteed livelihoods other than at the mercy of touching and moving- spirited individuals who occasionally offer some token to just keep them going and alive.

In a semi-perfect world, Government policies in relation to older people are to support elderly people to live in dignity and independence in their own homes and communities for as long as possible and, where this is not possible, to support access to quality long-term residential care. The overall emphasis is on promoting a high quality service, delivered to those who require it, in the most appropriate setting. Is it the case for growing old in Ghana? Certainly not!

Older persons should have access to the full range of care and support services that fully respect their living conditions, beliefs, needs and privacy and their right to make decisions about their care among others. For an instance my mum, Madam Comfort Yaa Akoto of Kumasi had had one of her legs amputated for the last 3 years. Sadly and suffice to say, there is no state support or any intervention in place to make life a bit easier for her and all those in similar circumstances. Let’s not forget that they have all contributed their quota through taxation and services to mother Ghana.

Again, what is making life unbearable and compounding her plight is the high utility tariffs especially electricity consumption which is really killing her to her grave. Having had to rely on a wheelchair for mobility around the clock, the battery has to be charged constantly. The monthly bill is beyond anyone’s imagination. As a daughter, I have had to rely on house-helps to support her at additional costs. Typically, I think my mum is just lucky to have me around but her counterparts without children are basically left to their fate. In some cases, my mum situation does not match one of her colleagues, Madam Adwoa Bourhene who had no child and had to ultimately be at the mercy of passer-bys. This lady may go for some months without a shower. Unless a Good Samaritan comes in to help occasionally.

Moreover, voluntary organisations in relation to aged and elderly are non-existent. We therefore call on the Minister for Gender and Social Protection to as a matter of urgency come out with an overarching policy directions and interventions to cater for our elderly in our society particularly, those without children or family to seek after and make their living a worthwhile.

There should be a body for planning, implementation and service delivery for older people in Ghana before long. Aged related Voluntary Groups can complement, support, link with and build on strategies, initiatives and partnerships with the ministry that aim to supporting older people to maintain, improve or manage their physical and mental wellbeing.

Collectively and individually, conceptualise ageing and what needs to be done to promote positive ageing as evidence-based policy choices have been trialled and tested to have enabled countries to successfully manage the economic dynamics of ageing in society.

Our attitudes towards ageing and older people need to change for better. For, it is inevitable we would all grow old one day and would be dependent on society. We thus appeal and call on the current NPP government to expedite policy to action-plan in mitigating the negative aspect of growing old in our country. It is indeed, true to the core that every little helps and our contributions to the maintenance and sustenance of the aged in our society will make Ghana a proud nation to live and grow hereafter. It would be a pride and proud to make us different from our peers on the continent.

Trusting our humble plea meets the attention and consideration of the Sector Ministry, Stakeholders, Society and the Ghanaian Community at large.

Long live the Ghanaian Elderly
May the Lord Strengthen and Bless us All.
Signed
Mrs Rhonda Serwaah & Mr Kwabena Osei
Ennis, Republic of Ireland
E: [email protected]
T: 00353 87114 7070