The Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Patricia Appiagyei, has raised concerns over Ghana’s rapidly growing elderly population, calling for immediate and coordinated national action to address the looming social and economic challenges associated with demographic change.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the lawmaker cautioned that Ghana is gradually transitioning into an aging society, a development she said requires long-term planning and deliberate policy interventions to protect the welfare of older citizens.
According to her, current demographic projections indicate that the number of Ghanaians aged 60 years and above is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades.
She noted that the elderly population, which stood at approximately 2.05 million in 2020, is projected to rise sharply to about 6.3 million by the year 2050.
Hon. Appiagyei explained that the anticipated increase in the aging population would place additional pressure on healthcare systems, pension schemes, social protection programmes, and family support structures if proactive measures are not taken now.
She therefore urged policymakers, government institutions, and stakeholders to begin preparing adequately for the demographic transition to avoid future economic and social strain.
The Asokwa MP further emphasized the importance of strengthening oversight responsibilities over the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), stressing that pension payments must remain efficient, transparent, and timely to guarantee dignity and financial security for retirees.
She argued that many pensioners rely heavily on their monthly benefits for survival, making it necessary for authorities to ensure that the pension system remains sustainable and responsive to the needs of the elderly.
Hon. Appiagyei also called on Parliament to prioritize budgetary allocations toward aged care services, healthcare infrastructure, and social intervention programmes targeted at senior citizens.
According to her, investment in elderly welfare should not be treated as a secondary issue but rather as an essential part of Ghana’s national development agenda.
She maintained that strengthening support systems for older persons would not only improve their quality of life but also help the country build a more inclusive and socially responsible society.
By 1960news.com
