The Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Ellembelle, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has called on the government to review the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to better prioritize the healthcare and overall well-being of the elderly in society.
Armah-Kofi Buah made this appeal while addressing over 100 elderly men and women at the AYA Community Centre in Ampain, located in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, during the World Elderly Care Day celebrations.
Speaking on the theme for this year’s event, “Ageing With Dignity: The Importance of Strengthening Care Support Systems for Older Persons,” the Deputy Minority Leader emphasized the need for dignity in ageing. He stated, “Ageing with dignity means we want them to be happy, to have good healthcare support systems, so they are not lonely.”
While acknowledging a recent adjustment to LEAP, the MP argued that, given the current inflation rate, the support provided remains insufficient. He further noted that many elderly individuals have yet to be registered for LEAP benefits, despite the program’s existence.
Reflecting on the significance of the day, Armah-Kofi Buah stressed, “Ghana must reflect as a country on what it can do to make the lives of the elderly more meaningful.”
The MP urged the government to expand social programs for the elderly, ensuring they age gracefully with happiness, good health, and protection from abuse and other harmful social practices. He emphasized the need for LEAP to be reviewed to better reflect the realities of life for the elderly.
“Ghana should be a country where, when you work hard and grow old, there are support systems in place to help you in your old age,” he said.
He also expressed concern over the inadequacy of LEAP for the elderly, urging Ghana to learn from other countries that provide sufficient cash assistance and health insurance for their aged populations, ensuring their comfort and well-being.
“I envision a Ghana that prioritizes the needs of the elderly,” he added.
The MP highlighted the unfortunate reality that some elderly individuals are left uncared for, with some even being accused of witchcraft. This, he said, underscores the importance of projects like the Elderly Care Project.
As part of the celebrations, elderly attendees at the AYA Centre were provided with breakfast, lunch, takeaway food packs, and monetary gifts to support their livelihoods.
Armah-Kofi Buah also mentioned that since the establishment of the AYA Elderly Care Centre, it has organized free eye screenings and provided glasses to those with vision problems, further supporting the health of the elderly in the region.
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