By Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Mahama has paid glowing tribute to Ghana’s senior citizens for their immense contribution to nation-building, describing them as the country’s “greatest national treasure” whose sacrifices laid the foundation for modern Ghana.
He also reaffirmed his government’s commitment to improving healthcare, social protection and pensions for the elderly while urging Ghanaians to preserve the country’s cherished extended family system.
President John Mahama assured senior citizens that their welfare remains a priority for his administration, with plans to strengthen healthcare, social protection and pensions as part of efforts to ensure they age with dignity.
Addressing the Republic Day Senior Citizens’ Luncheon at the Presidency in Accra, President Mahama stressed that the annual event was an opportunity for the nation to express gratitude to those whose dedication, resilience and patriotism helped shape Ghana’s development.
The event was attended by the Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang; former Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Betty Mould-Iddrisu; the Paramount Chief of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV; senior government officials, traditional leaders and invited guests.
President Mahama noted that although the luncheon is traditionally held on Republic Day, July 1, this year’s celebration was postponed to allow Ghanaians to participate in the National Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer.
“Today is an extension of our national thanksgiving. It is thanksgiving expressed not only in prayer but also in gratitude to the generation that built modern-day Ghana.”
The President praised senior citizens for their invaluable contributions across every sector of national life, saying many had served as teachers, healthcare workers, farmers, soldiers, civil servants and community leaders, often under difficult circumstances and without seeking recognition.
“The nation owes you a debt that can never be fully repaid. On behalf of the people of Ghana, I say thank you. I say Ayekoo.”
He described older persons as custodians of Ghana’s values and traditions, whose wisdom continues to guide families, communities and national institutions.
“Even in retirement, many of you continue to serve quietly as mentors, counsellors and custodians of our collective memory. Your wisdom remains one of Ghana’s greatest national treasures.”
President Mahama stressed that the best way to honour the elderly was not through ceremonies alone but by building a prosperous nation worthy of their sacrifices.
He said government remains committed to restoring economic stability, creating jobs, strengthening healthcare and education, modernising agriculture and accelerating industrialisation through initiatives such as the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme.
The President also highlighted the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, to support the treatment of non-communicable diseases, many of which affect older persons.
He encouraged senior citizens to take advantage of the initiative while assuring them that improved economic growth would translate into better pensions.
“As the economy improves, we will improve not only wages and salaries for the active working population but also pensions for those who have sacrificed tirelessly for our dear nation.”
President Mahama appealed to families and communities to play their part in caring for older persons, saying government alone could not shoulder the responsibility.
He urged young people to value the wisdom of their parents and grandparents, stressing that technological advancement should never replace the moral values passed down through generations.
The President expressed concern over what he described as the gradual erosion of Ghana’s extended family system, warning that abandoning traditional family structures could weaken the country’s social fabric.
“Let us modernise our society, but let us protect our family, our traditions and our values.”
Drawing comparisons with some wealthy societies where loneliness has become a growing social challenge, he said Ghana’s extended family system remains one of the country’s greatest strengths and should be preserved.
“Our elderly parents are not consigned to old people’s homes. They age in dignity, surrounded by a loving family. That is the social support of the African culture,” he said.
President Mahama concluded by assuring senior citizens that their sacrifices would never be forgotten and pledged to continue working towards a peaceful, united and prosperous Ghana worthy of the legacy they have built.
“We celebrate you. We honour your resilience. We salute your patriotism. We acknowledge your sacrifices. Ghana will never forget.”
