Ghana honours elderly at Republic Day senior citizens’ luncheon

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President John Dramani Mahama, in a significant demonstration of national gratitude, on Friday hosted a luncheon for the nation’s senior citizens at the Presidential Villa in Accra, marking the climax of this year’s Republic Day celebrations.

The annual Republic Day Senior Citizens’ Luncheo brought together a distinguished group of attendees, including former government officials, academics, and other notable figures who have contributed to the nation’s development. Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang joined the President at the event, which is traditionally held on July 1—Republic Day.

However, this year’s luncheon was postponed by two days, as July 1 was dedicated to Ghana’s second National Day of Thanksgiving and Prayer, during which Christians and Muslims across the country gathered in churches and mosques to offer gratitude for the nation’s blessings.

“The lives and service of our senior citizens, while we thank God for our nation, we must also thank those whose labour, commitment and sacrifice has brought Ghana this far,” President Mahama said. “Today, therefore, is an extension of our National Thanksgiving. It is thanksgiving expressed not only in prayer, but also in gratitude to the generation that builds modern day Ghana.”

A Debt That Cannot Be Fully Repaid

Addressing the gathering, President Mahama described the annual luncheon as “one of the most cherished events on the national calendar” for affording the nation the opportunity “to pause from the pressures of governance and daily life, honour those who sacrificed their wisdom, their resilience and patriotism to lay the foundation upon which we continue to build our Republic.”

Paying tribute to the older generation, the President noted that many of the senior citizens present had lived through defining moments of Ghana’s history.

“You witnessed our independence. You experienced the birth of the Republic, the new Republic of Ghana. You served through difficult political transitions. You taught in our schools. You healed the sick in our hospitals. You cultivated our farms. You defended our borders. You built our roads. You established our industries. You nurtured our industries and raised generations of patriotic Ghanaians,” he said.

President Mahama acknowledged that many of the conveniences Ghanaians enjoy today exist because the senior citizens’ generation made sacrifices without expecting applause—some working in difficult conditions, others accepting modest rewards because they believed serving Ghana was an honour in itself.

“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!” the President declared.

He praised the older generation for leaving behind institutions, values, and traditions that continue to guide the country, noting that even in retirement, many continue to serve quietly as mentors, counsellors, community leaders, and custodians of national culture.

Policy Commitments: Pensions, Healthcare, and Social Protection

President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of older persons, emphasising that economic recovery should result in better living conditions for those who have served the country.

He pledged that as the economy improves, pensions for retirees would increase alongside wages and salaries for the active workforce.

“I pledge to our senior citizens that 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, Ghana,” he said.

The President highlighted the establishment of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, which has been set up to support the treatment of non-communicable diseases—many of which are geriatric and complications of ageing.

“This is why the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, otherwise named MahamaCares, has been set up to assist with non-communicable diseases, many of which are geriatric and complications of aging. I urge our senior citizens to take advantage of this initiative to help fund any health issues you might be dealing with,” he added.

The President also stressed that the greatest way to honour senior citizens is by building a nation worthy of their sacrifices, noting that the government remains committed to restoring economic stability, creating jobs, strengthening healthcare and education, modernising agriculture, and accelerating industrial transformation.

“Through the 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, we are laying the foundations for sustained economic growth that creates opportunities across every region of our country,” he said.

A Shared Responsibility

President Mahama emphasised that caring for the elderly is a shared responsibility that extends beyond the state, urging families, communities, religious institutions, and all Ghanaians to play their part in ensuring older persons are not neglected.

“Our senior citizens deserve dignity. They deserve security. They deserve accessible and affordable healthcare. They deserve social protection. And above all, they deserve our respect,” he said.

He urged younger Ghanaians to value the wisdom and experience of older generations, cautioning that technological advancement should not come at the expense of the country’s moral and cultural values.

“As you pursue your ambitions, never underestimate the value of those who came before you. Science and technology have put knowledge at your fingertips, but morals, traditions and values are passed from one generation to another,” he said.

The President further called for the preservation of Ghana’s extended family system, arguing that it remains one of the country’s greatest social strengths, and cautioned against adopting lifestyles that leave elderly people isolated.

“We must never allow those who once cared for us to feel they have been forgotten,” Mahama added.

Vice President’s Remarks

Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, in her remarks, thanked the senior citizens for the roles they had played in the past and for those they continue to play in the life of the nation. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of senior citizens through policies and programmes that promote their care, dignity and wellbeing.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also took the occasion to remember victims of the recent floods, expressing solidarity with affected families and encouraging Ghanaians to continue supporting one another during recovery efforts. She highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable Ghanaians through initiatives such as the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (MahamaCares), which aims to reduce the financial burden of healthcare.

The Vice President further urged Ghanaians to preserve the country’s tradition of respect for the elderly and the extended family system while embracing modernisation and innovation.

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The annual State Luncheon for Senior Citizens recognises the contributions of older Ghanaians to national development and provides an opportunity for the government to engage with them on issues affecting their welfare. As President Mahama noted, Republic Day serves as a reminder of the enduring ideals upon which the Republic stands—Freedom, Justice, Equality, Patriotism, hard work, and service to the country.