Gov’t committed to the plight of the aged – Minister Nana Oye Lithur

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social protection has said the government is committed to work to ensure the rights and dignity of the aged are achieved.

In a statement to mark the International Day of Older Persons 2016, Nana Oye Lithur said older persons are one of the key target groups under the government’s social protection strategy.
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Nana Oye Lithur making International Day of Older Persons

“We assure all Ghanaians of government’s commitment to work assiduously to ensure the promotion and protection of the rights of the aged, dignity and the wellbeing are achieved,” the statement said.

She highlighted the various intervention the government has rolled out to improve the wellbeing of the aged.
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Nana Oye Lithur making International Day of Older Persons

“Over 21,600 persons 65 years and above have been registered free of charge onto the National Health Insurance Scheme across the country. Currently, 7% percent of elderly persons without any means of support receive cash transfer to enhance their living conditions on the LEAP programme,” the statement said.

It continued: “An innovation for the elderly which we introduced in 2013 is the “Eban” Elderly Welfare Card. Over 25,000 elderly persons in all the 10 Regions have been issued with the Eban Cards. Older Persons who we are registered on this card are given priority access to social services such as banks, transport operators, hospitals and other social services. They also receive 50% rebated on fares when they use Metro Mass Transit buses.”
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Nana Oye Lithur making International Day of Older Persons

The government, she added, is currently finalizing Aged Persons Bill to provide legally mandated systems which will ensure the effective operation and implementation of the structures and strategies aimed at achieving the rights, welfare and dignity of aged persons.

The theme for this year’s celebration is Take a Stand Against Ageism.

“As a government we have indeed taken a stand. We are committed to strengthening systems and structures to improve the well being of older people,” the minister said.
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“The first step in the demonstration of our commitment is the establishment of a dedicated desk at the Ministry to address issues of older persons. We have also adopted the National Ageing Policy (NAP) with a goal to ensure that the socio-economic development and human rights of the aged persons are protected and guaranteed,” she concluded.