Fifth Annual International Research Conference
The Centre for Ageing Studies (CFAS), University of Ghana, Legon, organized its 5th Annual International Research Conference on 29th and 30th September 2021. The conference was held virtually for two days, from 9am-3pm each day, on the theme Facilitating Friendly Communities for Older People. The conference aimed at sharing and understanding issues that are related to the following sub-themes: (a) Making older people’s needs and preferences count in contemporary society, (b) imagining ageing and emerging issues in a changing world, (c) ageing in a global context: a multidisciplinary approach and age-related considerations and (d) social connectedness and ageing friendly communities.
On the first day of the conference, the programme was moderated by Rev. Prof Akye Essuman and chaired by Prof. C. Charles Mate-Kole (Founder Director, Centre for Ageing Studies). Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, current Director for the Centre for Ageing Studies gave the welcome address. The Provost for College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Prof Daniel Frimpong Ofori, gave excellent contributory remarks regarding the work of the Centre for Ageing Studies, which was proceeded with a keynote address delivered by Rev. Dr Samuel Ayetey-Nyampong. His address focused on the theme Facilitating Friendly Communities for the Elderly in an Era of Digitalization. He emphasized that the use of personal technology like social media has grown significantly across the ageing population in the world since older persons are among the fastest growing demographic group on Facebook.
The benefits of digitalization according to the keynote speaker included connecting with friends and family, access to health-related information and enhancing spirituality. He urged all stakeholders to develop interest in how they could use technology to facilitate friendly communities for older persons in Ghana. He ended the keynote address with a Spanish quote: “A beautiful old age is ordinarily the reward of a beautiful life’’
From Top (L to R) Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke, Director, Centre for Ageing Studies, Rev. Prof Akye Essuman, Department of Community Medicine, University of Ghana Medical School, Rev. Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong, Trinity Theological Seminary/ Centre for Ageing Studies, University of Ghana, Prof. C. Charles Mate-Kole, Founding Director, Centre for Ageing Studies, Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, Provost, College of Humanities, University of Ghana, Dr Emmanuel Asampong, Department of Social and Behavioural Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Ghana
The second day of the conference, which was moderated by Dr Delali A. Dovie, commenced with a presentation by Mr. Myles Ongoh (Head of LEAP Management Secretariat) on the topic, Social Protection and the Aged in the Era of Digitization: The Perspective of the LEAP Programme. He noted that the LEAP Management Secretariat now utilizes digital payment platforms, such as the E-zwitch and Mobile Money transfers to pay beneficiaries, as well other digital avenues for monitoring, evaluation, and communication purposes. Although the introduction of digital payment facilitates quick access to cash transfers, he indicated that issues, such as verification challenges due to poor internet, illiteracy, and the exposure to fraud and extortion were some of the challenges associated with digitalization of the LEAP programme. He opined that an enhanced financial and technical support improved internet coverage and digital infrastructure, and continuous sensitization on the LEAP initiative could mitigate the challenges. This presentation was followed by a panel discussion on Social Connectedness and Building Friendly Communities for Older People, which was chaired by Prof. Angela Ofori-Atta (Department of Psychiatry, University of Ghana Medical School). It was emphasized during the panel discussion that government and other relevant stakeholders should intensify their efforts in making every community a safe and friendly haven for older people.
On each day of the conference, there were presentations from people in academia and professionals from within and outside the country. The diverse presentations centered on the conference theme as well as the sub-themes. Participants were privileged to engage with presenters from Ghana, Australia, Canada, India, Germany, United States of America, Netherlands, and Austria.
Prof. Dako-Gyeke, Director for the Centre for Ageing Studies in her concluding remarks, emphasized on the need for a collaborative effort to help older people address their unmet needs, especially in the current circumstance we find ourselves – the COVID-19 pandemic. She also encouraged participants to observe the United Nations Day for Older People on October 1st, by demonstrating acts of kindness to older persons in their families and communities. To crown it all, she expressed appreciation to the keynote speaker, chairperson, provost for the College of Humanities, moderators, presenters, participants, and the organizing committee for their enormous contributions to the success of the conference.
Some participants at the conference
Some participants at the conference
Some participants at the conference