In-Pictures: President Mahama Honors Senior Citizens on Republic Day
Accra, Ghana - 2 July, 2025 - Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama hosted a special luncheon at the Presidency on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, to honor the country's senior citizens as part of the nation's 65th Republic Day celebrations.
The event brought together distinguished elder statesmen and women who have made significant contributions to Ghana's development across various sectors.
During his address, President Mahama emphasized the government's commitment to supporting the elderly, ensuring their welfare and dignity remain a national priority.
He highlighted key initiatives aimed at improving the lives of senior citizens, including strengthening the pension system to ensure timely and equitable disbursement of pensions and gratuities to all retirees.
The President also announced plans to revamp the National Health Insurance Scheme, expanding coverage of geriatric services and prioritizing investment in social protection.
Additionally, he introduced the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, also known as Mahama Cares, to provide universal access to affordable healthcare for older citizens and vulnerable groups.
Notable attendees included Vice President Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Acting Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and Chairman of the Council of State Rt. Hon. Edward Doe Adjaho.
Other prominent personalities in attendance included Ghanaian highlife legend Daddy Lumba, renowned businessman and politician Paa Kwesi Nduom, boxing legend Azumah Nelson, music icon Rocky Dawuni, and Samia Nkrumah, a daughter of Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
The event served as a poignant reminder of the importance of honoring and appreciating the contributions of Ghana's senior citizens, who have played a significant role in shaping the country's history and development.
President Mahama emphasized the critical role senior citizens have played in building the nation and promised concrete steps to improve their welfare.
In his remarks, President Mahama stressed that "the dignity of older people is the dignity of our nation, and we must protect it." He called for intergenerational cooperation, urging youth and policymakers to learn from senior citizens' wisdom and experience.
The luncheon was part of the Republic Day celebrations, which marked Ghana's transition to a republic on July 1, 1960.
The event was also observed as a National Day of Prayer and Thanksgiving, with President Mahama inviting Cardinal Peter Appiah Turkson to lead the observance.
Source: Lead News Online
