Accra: The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has inaugurated a National Technical Committee to review Ghana's National Ageing Policy. This initiative aims to ensure that the Policy remains responsive to the changing needs and concerns of older persons amid Ghana's evolving demographic profile.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Marian W. A. Kpahkpah, Chief Director of the Ministry, highlighted the necessity of the review on behalf of Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Sector Minister. She emphasized that the review was essential due to developments that have occurred since the Policy's initial formulation. Dr Kpahkpah pointed out that issues related to ageing span several sectors, requiring a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.
Dr Kpahkpah called for a robust institutional and coordination framework to effectively implement the reviewed Policy. She urged Committee members to identify and recommend the inclusion of any crucial institutions that might have been omitted from the current stakeholder composition, ensuring all relevant perspectives are represented.
The Chief Director also stressed the importance of aligning the review with international protocols, standards, and legal frameworks while reflecting Ghana's national context. She encouraged the Committee to assess previous consultative processes undertaken during the Policy's development to inform the review.
The inauguration event gathered representatives from key institutions, such as the Ministry of Health, the National Population Council, the Ghana Statistical Service, and the Attorney-General's Department. This collective effort aims to strengthen Ghana's policy framework on ageing.
Mrs Divina Nkwantabisa of the Attorney-General's Department administered the Oath of Office and Oath of Secrecy to the Technical Committee members. The Committee's Terms of Reference include reviewing and validating the National Ageing Policy and related documents, ensuring policy coherence, fostering collaboration among government, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders, and assessing implementation gaps. It will also make recommendations to strengthen the Policy and improve coordination among institutions responsible for ageing-related programmes.