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Ghana has joined the global community to commemorate the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP), an annual event that recognizes the valuable contributions of older adults while highlighting the challenges they face. The 2025 celebration, organized by the Ghana Health Service (GHS), is themed “Older Persons Driving Local and Global Action: Our Aspirations, Our Well-Being, Our Rights.”
This theme emphasizes the importance of seeing older persons as active agents within their families, communities, and society, rather than just beneficiaries of services. The GHS stated that this celebration provides an opportunity to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to building an age-inclusive society where the voices, aspirations, and rights of older persons are fully respected.
Ghana’s aging population is expected to reach 2.3 million by 2025 and 5.6 million by 2050, according to the Ghana Statistical Service. Despite this growth, many older Ghanaians face challenges such as ageism, limited healthcare access, inadequate financial protection, and exclusion from decision-making spaces.
The celebration focuses on raising awareness about the rights and challenges of older persons, advocating for equitable access to healthcare, pensions, and legal support, promoting intergenerational dialogue, supporting age-friendly environments, and celebrating the continuing contributions of older adults to national life.
Globally, the number of people aged 60 years and above is projected to rise from 1 billion in 2019 to 1.4 billion in 2030, and further to 2.1 billion by 2050. Ghana’s observance of UNIDOP 2025 reflects its recognition of this demographic shift and its implications for development.
The GHS has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the dignity, well-being, and rights of older persons through legal reforms, targeted advocacy, and stronger institutional frameworks. “Through legal reforms, targeted advocacy, and stronger institutional frameworks, Ghana will continue its journey toward a society where older citizens are recognized, respected, supported, and engaged,” the GHS stated.
By celebrating the International Day of Older Persons, Ghana aims to promote a society that values and supports its older population, ensuring their rights and well-being are protected and respected.
epos MBN360news
