Centre For Ageing Studies Maiden Fundraising Event

The Centre for Ageing Studies, the University of Ghana held her maiden fundraising event at the Great Hall, University of Ghana on July 4, 2024 on the theme: “Empowering our Elders: Building Brighter Futures Together”. The Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, was in attendance. Also, present were Rev. John Ntim Fordjour, Deputy Minister for Education; Dr Dickson Adomako Kissi, Member of Parliament for AnyaaSowutuom.

The Vice President indicated that in the tapestry of society, our elders are the vibrant threads that add richness and depth to our community fabric. They are the custodians of wisdom, tradition, and experience.

His comments came amidst the fact that society today often overlooks the invaluable contributions they can make to our future, expressed in the following:

❖ Ghana’s Ageing Bill is yet to be finalized;
❖ NHIS is free for persons aged 70+ years;
❖ There is no formal residential facility for older persons;
❖ There is in existence no significant daycare centers from the state level across regions for older persons to patronize,
❖ There exist fewer geriatric clinics for the elderly, etc.

Vice President of the Republic of Ghana, Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia

During his keynote address, Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia highlighted the fact that the empowerment of our elders is not just about providing healthcare or creating elderly-friendly infrastructure, it is about recognizing their potential to contribute to society in meaningful ways. It is about creating opportunities for them to share their information, participate in the community, and persist learning and growing. When we empower our elders, we are not just honouring their past contributions; we are investing in the wisdom they can offer for our future.

He emphasized the crucial role of the Centre for Ageing Studies in contributing to the provision of the above-listed items through the medium of fundraising. The Centre thus, can instigate discussions that contribute to the building of a brighter future together by integrating the insights and experiences of our elders into the decision-making processes. It means valuing their opinions in family discussions, community planning, and even in policy formulation. It involves creating platforms for intergenerational dialogue, where the youth can learn from the old, and the old can understand the new perspectives of the younger generation.

The amount realized at the launch of the fundraising amounted to Gh₡338, 700.00 and the Acting Director Professor Joseph Osafo hopes the Centre could start the processes of building the ultra-contemporary structure during the last quarter of 2024.