Increasing ageing population and challenges for the welfare of the aged: the case of Ghana

Eugene Darteh, University of Cape Coast

Between 1960 and 2000, the proportion of the population in Ghana aged 65 years and above increased from 3.2% in 1960, to 3.6% in 1970, 4.0% in 1984 and to 5.3 in 2000, with little variation between males and females. In 2000, the proportions aged 65+ were 4.7% for urban and 5.7% for rural areas. The paper analyzes the proportions of population aged 65 years and above in Ghana using the four post-independent censuses from 1960-2000. It examines regional and rural-urban trends and patterns by male-female in the old age population within the context of the available support systems. The rural-urban variation reflects some of the structural changes taking place. Although the government recognizes the changing age structure, there seems to be few responses at the national level to the changes The emerging system, if not addressed comprehensively, is going to create another layer of poor aged females living in rural areas with minimum to inadequate support.