The Member of Parliament for Tema West, in collaboration with the Tema Community One Urban Health Centre, has celebrated the 2026 International Day of Older Persons with a special programme focused on promoting the health, dignity and well-being of elderly residents in the constituency.
The celebration, held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at the forecourt of the Tema Polyclinic, brought together more than 200 older persons for free health screening, medical education, exercise, entertainment, social interaction and appreciation.
The programme featured aerobics, medical education, blood pressure and blood sugar checks, vision and hearing assessments, dental screening, dancing, food and interaction between the elderly, healthcare professionals and community leaders.
The event also provided an opportunity for the older persons to share their experiences, concerns and expectations regarding healthcare and social support for the aged in Ghana.
Caring for the aged is a collective responsibility
Speaking at the programme, the Tema West MP said the celebration was organised to demonstrate love, care and appreciation for older persons who had contributed significantly to their families, the constituency and the development of Ghana.
He noted that many older persons had spent their productive years working in professions including teaching, nursing, medicine, trading and hairdressing, and deserved recognition for their contributions to society.
According to him, older persons are a repository of wisdom and experience from which younger generations can continue to learn.
The MP stressed that the celebration was not simply about dancing, eating and entertainment, but was intended to demonstrate to the elderly that society cared about them and appreciated the sacrifices they had made.
He urged families and the younger generation not to regard older persons as a burden, but rather as a responsibility.
He explained that parents and older relatives had cared for younger generations while they were growing up, and society must similarly support them when they reach old age.
Health experts educate older persons
Medical professionals from the Tema Community One Urban Health Centre used the occasion to educate participants on healthy ageing and the importance of regular medical check-ups.
The Medical Superintendent of the facility and geriatrician, Dr Lenusia Ahlija, called for concerted efforts to make hospitals, CHPS compounds, homes and public spaces more accessible and friendly to older persons.
She stressed the need for the Ministry of Health’s ageing policy to be effectively implemented and for healthcare professionals to be adequately trained to understand and respond to the specific needs of older adults.
Dr Ahlija disclosed that more than 200 older persons within the hospital’s catchment area had been brought together for the celebration and free health screening.
Free medical screening
Participants benefited from free screening services, including checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, vision and eye-related conditions, hearing and dental health.
The medical team encouraged the older persons to seek medical attention early whenever they experienced health challenges rather than waiting until their conditions became severe.
The doctors also cautioned participants against taking medicines advertised or recommended on social media and other online platforms without first consulting qualified healthcare professionals.
They advised the elderly to avoid self-medication and seek proper medical advice before taking any medication, herbal preparation or other treatment recommended online.
Participants were also educated on healthy living, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, adequate rest, routine medical checks and maintaining social relationships.
Loneliness and isolation a concern
Dr Ahlija identified loneliness and social isolation as some of the challenges facing older persons, particularly retirees whose children have moved away from home for work and other opportunities.
She called on churches, companies and other organisations to establish platforms that would enable retirees and older adults to interact, socialise and remain active within their communities.
She explained that healthy ageing was not only about treating diseases but also ensuring that older persons had companionship, social support and a sense of belonging.
The health facility also announced plans to dedicate October to older persons, with additional screening and health education activities throughout the month, including attention to memory-related challenges and healthy living.
Breast cancer awareness
Dr Ahlija also reminded participants that October is observed as Pink October, the breast cancer awareness month.
She encouraged older women and other eligible women to undergo breast examinations and seek referrals for mammograms where necessary.
She stressed the importance of early detection and encouraged women to take advantage of available screening opportunities.
MP outlines support for medical needs
The Tema West MP disclosed that his office regularly provides assistance to constituents facing serious medical challenges and who are unable to afford their hospital bills.
He cited a recent case involving a child who had spent several days in an intensive care unit and required oxygen before being discharged.
According to the MP, the family approached his office after the medical bills became overwhelming, prompting him to provide financial assistance towards the cost of treatment.
He said his office had also supported other constituents facing medical challenges whenever it became clear that they needed assistance.
The MP encouraged older persons to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme and renew their membership when necessary to enable them to access covered healthcare services.
He further disclosed that his office had compiled a list of some elderly constituents who could receive periodic financial assistance to support their basic needs.
MP highlights Mahama Care
The MP also highlighted the Mahama Care Initiative, saying the programme provides medical support for people suffering from specified serious diseases.
He explained that the legislation governing the initiative had been passed by Parliament and that the programme had begun operating.
According to him, specified conditions, including cancer and certain kidney and liver diseases, are covered under the initiative, subject to the relevant eligibility requirements.
He said his office had established contacts with the leadership of the programme to help constituents who qualify access the services.
Older persons share concerns
The older persons who attended the programme expressed happiness and satisfaction with the intervention, describing it as an important opportunity for them to feel recognised, valued and cared for.
Some participants, however, used the occasion to share concerns about the difficulties faced by elderly people, particularly regarding healthcare, financial support, social welfare and the need for stronger measures to care for the ageing population.
They called on the government and relevant institutions to introduce more sustainable programmes to support older persons and improve their quality of life.
The participants expressed gratitude to the Tema West MP and the Tema Community One Urban Health Centre for organising the programme and appealed for the celebration to become an annual event.
They said such gatherings provide more than entertainment, as they also offer access to health education, medical screening, companionship and opportunities to interact with others.
Sanitation education
The Assembly Member and Chairperson of the Sanitation Committee, Madam Mary Enu, also used the occasion to educate the older persons on the importance of maintaining clean surroundings.
She urged them to keep their homes and immediate environments clean to reduce their exposure to diseases.
Madam Enu encouraged the elderly to dispose of waste properly, maintain clean living spaces and take personal and environmental hygiene seriously.
She explained that keeping their surroundings clean was an important part of healthy ageing and could help prevent illnesses associated with poor sanitation.
Call for older-person-friendly communities
The celebration ended with calls for stronger collaboration among government, health facilities, families, community leaders and civil society organisations to improve the welfare of older persons.
The programme highlighted that supporting the aged goes beyond medical treatment and includes social interaction, emotional support, financial assistance, sanitation, healthy living and respect for their dignity.
The Tema West MP reaffirmed his commitment to supporting older persons in the constituency and urged families and the younger generation to recognise the elderly as an important part of society whose experience, knowledge and sacrifices remain valuable to Ghana’s development.
Story by Stephen Kwaku Owusu Mintah
