
The Member of Parliament for the Akuapem North constituency in the Eastern Region, Samuel Awuku, partnered with the University of Ghana’s Department of the Center for Ageing Studies to celebrate the 2026 United Nations International Day for Older Persons.
The vibrant celebration took place at Grace Presbyterian Church in Akropong on Thursday, October 1, drawing a crowd of more than 1,500 elderly attendees.
Participants were encouraged to embrace aging with dignity and pride, recognizing themselves as the true heroes and heroines of the community.
Addressing journalists at the event, Mr. Awuku urged Parliament to expedite action on passing the old age bill into law, emphasizing that urgent legislative measures are needed to protect the elderly from maltreatment.
The Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Mr. Awuku, stated that passing the Older Persons Bill will deter individuals from falsely accusing the elderly of witchcraft.
He emphasized that legal accountability will safeguard the freedom and longevity of older citizens, describing living past 100 years as a blessing.
Meanwhile, Rev. Professor Joseph Osafo, Director of the University of Ghana’s Center for Ageing Studies, expressed deep disappointment in Parliament.
Speaking to Kontihen Kofi Oboh, Osafo highlighted that the bill has languished in Parliament for 16 years, leaving the aged vulnerable to ongoing social stigmatization.
According to Prof. Osafo, statistics indicate that over 57% of elderly women bear the brunt of hardship in the country, often facing safety risks due to being accused of witchcraft.
He noted that developed nations actively support their aging populations to promote longevity because they deeply value them.
Prof. Osafo joined Sammi Awuku in making an urgent appeal to Parliament to expedite the passage of a bill aimed at safeguarding the lives of older citizens.
By// Kontihen Kofi Oboh.
Source// Obohnewsonline.com.








