CFAS and Partners Celebrate United Nations International Day of Older Persons

The Centre for Ageing Studies (CFAS) celebrated the International Day of Older Persons on Saturday 1^st October, 2022 at the Great Hall, University of Ghana, Legon. The theme for this year’s celebration was Resilience of Older Persons in a Changing World.

The Centre organized and observed this august day in collaboration with its noble partners, namely, the World Health Organization, UNFPA, Ghana Health Service, Samuel Amo Tobbin Foundation, Gully Hill Pond, Restorative Justice for Oakland Youth, Los Abuelos Foundation, and Quality Insurance Company Limited. Other agencies and individuals who supported the organization of this event included Walk with Pearls, Dr. Agrawal Eye Clinic, Entrance Medical Centre, Korle-Bu Polyclinic, Alhaji Suleman, Mr. Stephen Oppong Antwi, and Nero-Aged Care. This event was attended by over 500 persons, with approximately more than half of them being older persons.

Some participants at the event

The special guest of honor for this event was Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, (Vice-Chancellor, University of Ghana). In her remarks, she emphasized that it has become imperative in the contemporary era to devote time for the exploration of ageing-related issues to unearth solutions that could facilitate resilience among older persons, and subsequently, enhance their wellbeing. She added that the theme for this year’s celebration was relevant as it sought to remind all of us about the important role older people play in traversing global difficulties and contributing to their remedies with fortitude and strength.

Prof. Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice Chancellor, UG

Dr. Akosua Agyemang and Dr Vyda Mamley Hervie, moderators of the event, a senior lecturer, and CFAS management committee member opened the event by welcoming all present and introducing them to the activities of the day. Rev. Prof. Akye Essuman was invited afterwards to deliver an opening prayer before the official commencement of the programme. In her welcome address, the Director of the Centre for Ageing Studies, Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke expressed her gratitude to the audience for attending the programme and encouraged them to recognize and appreciate older persons for the immense contributions they have made towards the development of society. In his remarks, the Founding Director of CFAS, Prof. Charles Mate-Kole also highlighted the relevance of older persons in society and called on relevant stakeholders to continue advocating for appropriate interventions that would enhance their wellbeing.

Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke Prof. Charles Mate-Kole

During the ceremony, Rev. Prof. Akye Essuman and Prof. Matilda Steiner-Aseidu were invited to deliver brief lectures on the topics, Ageing, Health and Wellness, and Ageing and Nutrition, respectively. Additionally, Mr. Daniel Opoku, a physiotherapist at the University of Ghana Hospital, provided a brief presentation on the spine, as well as proper sitting and sleeping habits that could prevent persons, especially older people from damaging their spines.

Prof. Akye Essuman Prof. Matilda Steiner-Aseidu Mr. Daniel Opoku

Representatives from the various partner organizations took turns to provide their solidarity messages, which all emphasized the importance of making society a safe haven for older persons.

Dr. Promise E. Sefogah, WHO Madam Efua K. Turkson, UNFPA Dr. Kofi Issah, GHS

Mrs. Eunice Abban Afari, LAF Prof. Sylvester G. Bowie, Gully Hill Pond Prof. Teiahsha Bankhead, RJOY

Older persons who were present at the ceremony benefitted from free medical screening provided by the Centre’s health partners. Persons who participated in an Essay Competition organized by the Los Abuelos Foundation were also awarded on this day.