The Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Ghanaians can grow older with dignity, security and opportunities to remain active contributors to society.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) made the commitment as Ghana joined the international community to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Older Persons.
In a statement, the Ministry said Ghana was experiencing a significant demographic transition, with the population of people aged 60 and above increasing substantially over the decades.
Citing data from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, the Ministry said the number of older persons increased from 213,477 in 1960 to 1,991,736 in 2021.
The figure, it noted, is projected to reach 5.7 million by 2050, highlighting the need for stronger systems to support an ageing population.
The Ministry said the demographic shift presents opportunities but also requires greater attention to income security, healthcare, care and support services, age-friendly communities and the protection of the rights of older persons.
It stressed that older people continue to make significant contributions to national development through caregiving, farming, business, community leadership, mentoring and the transfer of knowledge and culture between generations.
According to the Ministry, its response to ageing is guided by the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148), and the Social Protection Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2521).
It said it is working with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies to strengthen Ghana’s social protection systems and prepare for the country’s changing demographic profile.
Among the key priorities is expanding support under the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme and making social protection systems more responsive to longer life expectancy and changing family structures.
The Ministry also said it was collaborating with the health sector to promote preventive healthcare, early detection and management of non-communicable diseases, mental health services, rehabilitation, as well as geriatric, long-term and home-based care.
It further disclosed plans to update the 2010 National Ageing Policy to reflect current realities, with emphasis on healthy longevity, the rights of older persons, care, participation and improved data.
The National Technical Committee on Ageing (NTCA) is also being strengthened to provide guidance for a coordinated national response to ageing.
The Ministry said efforts would also focus on addressing age discrimination, neglect, abuse and exploitation, including through the Orange Support Centre, while ensuring that older persons have a voice in decisions affecting their lives.
It added that the government would strengthen family, community and formal care systems while recognising and supporting unpaid family caregivers.
The Ministry emphasised that preparations for healthy ageing must begin well before old age, noting that access to education, decent employment, healthy lifestyles, healthcare, safe housing and inclusive communities all influence how people age.
It called on Ghanaians to change perceptions about ageing and recognise older persons not merely as beneficiaries of social programmes, but as citizens with rights, skills, experience and aspirations.
The Ministry also urged greater solidarity between generations, stressing that today’s younger population will eventually become tomorrow’s older population.
“Building systems that support longer lives is an investment in all of us,” the Ministry said.