President Mahama honours senior citizens, recognising their contributions to Ghana’s development
Ghana’s President H.E John Dramani Mahama has honoured the nation’s senior citizens and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to democratic principles and social progress.
Speaking at the national celebration of senior citizens day on 1st July, 2025, President Mahama marked the historic day by introducing several key initiatives aimed at supporting older citizens and strengthening national unity.
He highlighted the significance of July 1st as the day Ghana became a republic in 1960, the President announced the first-ever National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving.
The address emphasized the critical role of senior citizens in building the nation, promising concrete steps to improve their welfare.
Key initiatives includes:
– Strengthening the pension system
– Launching the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares)
– Revamping the National Health Insurance Scheme
– Expanding healthcare services for older citizens
“This government is also taking concrete steps to restore the dignity to aging and to retirement. We’re strengthening the pension system to ensure that public and private sector workers retire in security rather than in hardship. By implementing our flagship Ghana medical Trust Fund, or as is popularly called Mahama cares, we’re laying the foundation for universal access to affordable health care, especially for older people, for low income and for vulnerable groups, we’re revamping the National Health Insurance Scheme, expanding coverage of geriatric services and prioritizing investment in social protection so that no senior citizen is left behind.” President Mahama.
“We’re also reviewing the architecture of the public sector pensions and gratuities to ensure timely and equitable disbursement to all retirees. The dignity of older people is the dignity of our nation, and we must protect it. The soul of any nation can be seen in how it treats its children and its senior citizens.” President stated.
President Mahama called for intergenerational cooperation, urging youth and policymakers to learn from the wisdom of senior citizens. He stressed that Ghana’s progress depends on treating all citizens with dignity and creating an inclusive economy.
“I call on our youth and our policy makers, our institutions, to learn from you, to tap into your experience and follow your guidance.” He added.
The celebration also marked a symbolic recommitment to the nation’s founding principles of democratic accountability, justice, and equality. The President concluded by invoking a vision of Ghana as a covenant between past, present, and future generations.
The event symbolized hope and renewal, positioning Republic Day as a moment of national reflection and collective aspiration.
