The Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, has urged urgent national attention to Ghana’s rapidly aging population, cautioning that demographic changes will have far-reaching social and economic consequences.
Presenting a statement on the floor of Parliament, Hon. Appiagyei highlighted projections showing that the number of Ghanaians aged 60 and above is expected to rise sharply from 2.05 million in 2020 to approximately 6.3 million by 2050. This, she noted, represents a significant shift in the country’s population structure and demands immediate policy responses.
She called for stronger oversight of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) to ensure efficient and timely payment of pensions, stressing that financial security for the elderly is a cornerstone of social stability.
The MP further emphasized the need for Parliament to prioritize funding for aged care, healthcare, and social protection programs, describing them as critical components of Ghana’s development agenda.
“We must act now to safeguard the dignity and wellbeing of our senior citizens. Failure to do so will place immense strain on families, communities, and the national economy,” she warned.
Her call comes amid growing concerns that Ghana’s social systems are not adequately prepared to handle the challenges of an aging population, including increased demand for healthcare services, pension sustainability, and long-term care facilities.
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