Government strengthens support for older persons under new social protection framework

The Ghanaian government is bolstering its support for older individuals through a new social protection framework, according to Ministry for Gender, Children and Social Protection. The Social Protection Act has provided a legal framework enabling access to healthcare and social assistance for the elderly. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the minister, emphasized that older persons remain a crucial aspect of Ghana's social protection system and must be empowered to live with dignity and security.

Dr Lartey highlighted that the Ministry has already assisted 50 elderly residents of the Central Destitute Infirmary in Bekwai, improving the facility and providing assistance to enhance their living conditions. She also noted that support for older persons would be integrated with existing social protection mechanisms, such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty programme and the National Health Insurance Scheme.

The government's strategy aligns with the broader goal of the Social Protection Act, which aims to guarantee assistance for vulnerable groups and cater to the needs of individuals at different life stages. The minister assured that the government will persist in efforts to ensure that older persons, particularly those lacking adequate family support, do not go without access to essential healthcare and social assistance.