Accra (Greater Accra), 30th June 99 -

A policy on the development of the aged by HelpAge Ghana (HAG) and the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare will be presented to cabinet for approval by the close of this year.

The policy, which will address the needs of the aged on issues such as housing, recreational facilities, health and income security, is to promote "positive ageing".

Mr John Mensah, Director of HAG, who said this on Tuesday in Accra during a press briefing on global ageing, said the policy, when fully implemented, will be the first in Africa.

HAG has over the years advocated appropriate policies and programmes with government and non-governmental organisations to improve the living conditions of older persons.

"We are very fortunate that through the Ministry of Health, our advocacy for free medical care for the aged has been approved but it is yet to be implemented."

Mr Todd Petterson, Chief Executive of HelpAge International (HAI), who is the country to familiarise himself with the aged situation and meet government on the issue, spoke on global ageing.

He said globally, older persons are likely to live in poverty because of their limited resources and governments' priorities which often do not factor in the requirements of the aged.

Mr Petterson said he is happy that the government of Ghana has great interest in the development of the aged adding that the aged are now the fastest growing population in the world and urged governments to always support them.

"Ageing is something that everybody will grow to meet. It is about time we find ways to help the aged and make them supportive since their immense contribution to the development of the communities have been overlooked by some countries.

"I think they have made significant contribution which should be acknowledged."

Mrs Alberta Ollennu, President of HAG, appealed to parents to take good care of their children so that when they are old the children will also take care of them.