Mahama Pledges Dignified Ageing For Senior Citizens Through Medical Trust Fund

President John Dramani Mahama has urged Ghanaian senior citizens to take advantage of government health programmes aimed at improving care for older people, stating that access to treatment for age-related illnesses will remain a priority.

Speaking at the Republic Day Senior Citizens’ Luncheon at the Presidency in Accra, the President said his administration is committed to strengthening healthcare, social protection, and pensions to help older people age with dignity.

A key part of that effort, he said, is the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as MahamaCares, which is intended to support the treatment of non-communicable diseases.

These conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, kidney disease and stroke, are among the leading health challenges affecting older adults.

President Mahama encouraged senior citizens to enrol in the scheme to help reduce the financial burden of managing long-term illnesses. He also expressed confidence that improvements in the economy would lead to better pensions for retirees.

The President described older people as an important part of Ghana’s development, noting that many had served the country as teachers, healthcare workers, farmers, soldiers, civil servants and community leaders.

He said supporting their health and wellbeing is one way of recognising those contributions.

The call comes as Ghana places greater emphasis on preventing and managing chronic diseases.

Earlier this year, the government launched a free primary healthcare program, which includes annual health screening and stronger preventive care, with the aim of detecting conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes before they become more serious.

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund is expected to complement these efforts by supporting specialised treatment for patients with severe illnesses.

President Mahama also appealed to families and communities to continue caring for older relatives, arguing that government programmes alone cannot meet all the needs of an ageing population.

He said Ghana’s extended family system has traditionally provided emotional and practical support for older people, helping them remain within their communities rather than becoming isolated.

Preserving that culture, he added, is an important part of promoting healthy ageing and maintaining the wellbeing of senior citizens.