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CFAS and QIC Launch the National Ageing Summit

On 18th October, 2022, the Centre for Ageing Studies (CFAS), and Quality Insurance Company organized an event to launch the maiden edition of the National Ageing Summit that is set to take place in December, 2022. This event took place at the Lancaster Hotel, Accra. Persons present at the launch included staff of the two collaborating agencies, the media, senior citizens, and representatives from partner organizations, such as the World Health Organization, United Nations Population Fund, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Help Age Ghana, Samuel Amo Tobin Foundation, and the Association of Ghana’s Elders.

The event began with an opening prayer by Rev. Dr. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong, followed by a brief welcome address from Mr Kabutey, the Master of Ceremony for the day. Mr. Addison, the Managing Director of QIC was also invited to deliver a message on behalf of the conveners. In his speech, he indicated that while the firm is profit-driven, it also makes efforts to acknowledge its corporate social responsibilities as they are relevant in addressing the needs of the vulnerable. He added that QIC’s collaboration with CFAS to organize the Ageing Submit will ultimately yield positive results to benefit older persons in the Ghanaian society.

In her speech, the Director of CFAS, Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, specified that given the gradual rise in the population of number contemporary Ghana, it has become imperative to advance discussions on resilience in old age, its usefulness in the lives of older adults, and how the government and other key stakeholders could collaborate and devise appropriate measures to enhance the quality of life of this vulnerable population. Adding his voice to the relevant issues of the launch, the Founding Director of CFAS, Prof. C. Charles Mate-Cole emphasized the need for older persons to be treated with respect, love, and the upmost priority for their wellbeing to be enhanced.

Representatives from the World Health Organization, United Nations Population Fund, Ministry of Health, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Help Age Ghana, Samuel Amo Tobin Foundation, and the Association of Ghana’s Elders took turns to deliver solidarity messages. In their messages, the running leitmotif was concern about the delay in the passage of the Aged Bill and they called on the government to expedite the bill’s passage and  implementation process. Two senior citizens were also invited to share their experiences as older persons. While they acknowledged that old age is associated with some challenges, the adoption of certain coping strategies, and support from some private entities enabled them to stay resilient.

A message from the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, was conveyed by its representative Mr. Felix Logah who also assisted to officially launch the National Ageing Summit. In his message, he assured all present that the government was making efforts to facilitate the passage of the Aged Bill. After delivering his speech, he invited Mr. Addison, Prof. Dako-Gyeke, and Prof. Mate-Kole to jointly declare the National Ageing Summit officially launched.

Dr. Delali Dovie, a research fellow from CFAS gave a vote of thanks to express the profound gratitude of the organizers to all who participated in the launching ceremony and encouraged them to be present at the main event. After a closing prayer by Dr. Vyda Hervie, participants had snacks, socialized, and then departed.