96% of Ghanaian pensioners willing to work beyond retirement age – Study

A recent study by the Centre for Retired Experts (CREX) reveals that 96% of Ghanaian pensioners surveyed are eager to continue working beyond the traditional retirement age of 60. Conducted in February 2026, the research involved 559 pensioners and sought to understand their willingness, motivations, and capacity to remain engaged in productive activities post-retirement.

The findings, presented at a seminar at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), indicate a substantial pool of experienced professionals willing to contribute to national development.

Dr. Adam Salifu, a lecturer at UPSA and co-researcher, highlighted that nearly all respondents were willing to mentor young professionals, while 88% expressed interest in serving as advisers or board members. However, a significant concern was identified: only about 93% were aware of existing platforms to offer their skills and experience. The study suggests that the main issue lies in coordination rather than willingness, questioning the lack of mechanisms to effectively channel these resources.

Despite aging, respondents reported that retirement had not diminished their sense of purpose. About 86% rejected the notion that they had become less useful to society, with 87% still considering themselves valuable to national development. Approximately 97% agreed that there is a gap between retirees' potential and the systems available to engage them productively.

The study found that 98% of respondents would volunteer if transportation and meals were provided, with over 84% willing to commit 1-4 hours a day, and more than 90% ready to work 1-4 days a week. Additionally, 90% expressed willingness to mentor young professionals, 88% were prepared to serve as advisers, and about 98% indicated they would work in rural and deprived communities.

Dr. Salifu noted that more than half of the respondents preferred the retirement age to be extended to 65 years or beyond, suggesting that the current mandatory retirement age of 60 is considered too early by many. While more than 95% of pensioners reported stable physical and mental conditions, the study cautioned that this does not necessarily imply financial security.

Only about 20% of retirees were still professionally engaged, with the majority involved in religious, social, community, and family-related activities. Governance and development activities were the most preferred areas of engagement, chosen by roughly 21% each, followed by business and education. Agriculture and health recorded comparatively lower levels of interest, possibly due to the labor-intensive nature of agriculture and limited mechanization.