African governments asked to seek the welfare of the aged

Akropong Akuapem, Oct. 3, GNA – A clergyman expressed worry that in Africa and other developing countries, older people were among the most vulnerable, marginalized and the poorest persons.

Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong, Founder and President of the Christian Action on Ageing in Africa, who made the call, challenged African governments to take adequate steps to improve the wellbeing of the aged.

The clergyman, made the call when he was presenting treated mosquito nets to older persons at Akropong Akuapem on Friday, as part of activities of United Nations International Day for the Older Persons, which falls on October 1 every year.

Dr Ayete-Nyampong cited that Ghana did not have a national policy for the aged, and called on the government to immediately formulate one, to cater for the needs and aspirations of older people.

He said according to a United Nations report, currently people aged 60 years and above represented 11 per cent of the world’s population and it was likely to increase to 19 per cent by 2050.

Rev. Dr. Ayete-Nyampong, who is also the Chairperson for the Akuapem Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, said older people had much to offer society, but they were ignored and stigmatised.

He said the present health care system in Ghana did not meet the health needs of the aged.

Rev. Dr. Ayete-Nyampong explained that there were virtually no geriatric hospitals and clinics in Ghana to offer services to older people in government hospitals.

He expressed worry that there was little education on the process of ageing, and aged persons, who exhibited signs of dementia were branded as witches, abused and sometimes ostracized from society.

“Older people were the young people of yesterday, who toiled to build society and the infrastructure development, which the generation of today are enjoying”, Rev Dr Ayete-Nyampong reminded society.

He said this year’s celebration of the International Day for the Older Persons, should be an opportunity for society to recognize the contributions of the aged and accord them due respect and assistance as they go through the “evening of their lives”.

The Christian Action on Ageing in Africa, is a non-governmental organization, set up to educate society on ageing and its implications, and also to research and identify ways of promoting care and support for the aged in Africa.