Ghana’s Older Population to Reach 5.7 million by 2050
Ghana’s population of persons aged 60 years and above is projected to reach 5.7 million by 2050, reflecting the country’s growing ageing population and rising life expectancy.
This was included in a press statement issued by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) to mark the 2026 International Day of Older Persons, under the theme “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives.”
According to the Ministry, the number of older persons in Ghana increased from 213,477 in 1960 to 1,901,736 in 2021, representing nearly a tenfold increase.
The Ministry said the demographic change required stronger systems to ensure that the additional years of life were lived in good health, with dignity, security, independence and purpose.
It said government was therefore strengthening social protection, healthcare, care services and age-friendly communities while protecting the rights of older persons.
The Ministry noted that older persons continued to contribute to national development through caregiving, farming, business, community leadership, mentoring and the transfer of knowledge and culture to younger generations.
It said the response to ageing was being guided by the Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148) and the Social Protection Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2521), in collaboration with relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Ministry said the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme would continue to support older persons, while social protection systems would be adapted to changing family structures.
It also said efforts were being made to promote preventive healthcare, early detection and management of non-communicable diseases, mental healthcare, rehabilitation, geriatric care, long-term care and home-based care.
The Ministry further announced plans to review the 2010 National Ageing Policy to reflect current realities, with attention to healthy longevity, rights, care, participation and data.
It said the National Technical Committee on Ageing would also be strengthened to support a coordinated national response to ageing.
The Ministry said government would address age discrimination, neglect, abuse and exploitation, including through the Orange Support Centre, while ensuring that older persons had a voice in decisions affecting them.
The Ministry called on Ghanaians to change the way ageing was viewed, noting that older persons were not merely beneficiaries of social programmes but citizens with rights, skills, experience and aspirations.
It said preparing for longevity should begin long before old age through investments in education, decent work, healthy lifestyles, accessible healthcare, safe housing and inclusive communities.
The Ministry also called for stronger solidarity between generations, stressing that today’s young people would become tomorrow’s older persons.
It reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a Ghana where everyone could grow older with dignity, security and the opportunity to continue contributing to society.
Priscilla Osei-Wusu Nimako, ISD
