The Centre for Ageing Studies Holds an Affiliate and Stakeholders’ Meeting
The Centre for Ageing Studies (CFAS), as part of its activities to promote stakeholder and affiliates’ engagement, organized its first meeting for the year 2022 on 3rd February 2022 to deliberate on issues concerning older persons. About one hundred and fifty participants made up of representatives from agencies/institutions that work with older persons, older persons’ associations, management committee members, faculty from the University of Ghana, individuals, and the media attended the event.
Some CFAS Management Committee Members: From L to R: Prof. Augustin K. Fosu, Prof. Abena Oduro, and Prof. Elsie Effah Kaufmann
Some participants present at the event
The meeting began with a prayer by Rev. Dr Samuel Ayete-Nyampong (CFAS Management Committee Member), after which an opening address was delivered by the Director of CFAS, Professor Mavis Dako-Gyeke. In her speech, she welcomed all participants and expressed her gratitude for their presence and participation. Explaining the purpose of the meeting, she stated that it was to (a) facilitate interaction among stakeholders and affiliates, (b) deliberate on pertinent issues related to older persons, and (c) discuss future engagements and activities of the Centre.
Rev. Dr. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong Prof. Mavis Dako-Gyeke
The Provost, College of Humanities Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori, in his remarks, highlighted the importance of the activities of the CFAS, given its focus on enhancing the wellbeing and healthy ageing among older persons. The Founding Director of the CFAS, Prof. Charles Mate-Kole made reference to the history of the Centre and paid homage to all persons who contributed immensely to its establishment.
Prof. Daniel Frimpong Ofori Prof. Charles Mate-Kole
Dr. Akosua Agyemang (CFAS Management Committee Member) provided an overview on the vision, mission and objectives of the Centre. She emphasized that the Centre constitutes an interdisciplinary group of faculty with teaching and research interests in ageing-related issues. This was followed with a presentation by Dr. Delali A. Dovie, dwelling extensively and with deep insight on the activities of the Centre, such as ongoing research on the meaning of life, death, and spirituality among older persons, training for caregivers of older persons, webinars and colloquia, dance and fitness club for older persons, and fundraising for CFAS’ projects. She added that the Centre is currently developing academic programmes that will lead to the accumulation of academic credits and graduate degrees, and spoke about an upcoming book launch by the Centre.
Dr. Akosua Agyemang Dr. Delali A. Dovie
Another important aspect of the programme was a presentation by Mr Daniel Opoku, the Head of Physiotherapy Unit of the University of Ghana Hospital. He educated all present on the need to maintain a healthy and functional body as one ages. He further drew participants’ attention to the need for daily exercising as a way of maintaining healthy ageing. After his presentation, a forum was opened by Dr. Vyda M. Hervie (Department of Social Work), moderator of the event, for questions and suggestions. While some participants asked questions pertaining to physical health, others made suggestions on the need to extend the talk and education on aged care to the masses in various communities.
Mr. Daniel Opoku Dr. Vyda M. Hervie
To make the event more interactive, some participants were invited to speak on pressing ageing-related issues. Mrs. Acheampong shared her experience about healthy ageing, Dr. Alice Boateng emphasized on the need for involvement of traditional leaders on ageing-related issues with focus on diminishing cultural values, Dr. Akuamoah Boateng called for the creation of domestic tourism sites for older persons, Mr. Adjetey Sossey hammered on the need for the government to pass the Ageing Bill, Mr. Divine Asiedu provided information about healthy eating habits and aging, and Ms. Margaret Rose Afriyie offered information on residential and non-residential care services for older persons.
Mrs. Acheampong Dr. Alice Boateng
Dr. Akuamoah Boateng Mr. Adjetey Sossey
Mr. Divine Asiedu Ms. Margaret Rose Afriyie
Representatives of the following bodies of the University of Ghana were present: School of Continuing and Distance Education; Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research; Department of Biomedical Engineering; Centre for Urban Studies; Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa; Centre for Social Policy Studies, Centre for Latin American Studies; Department of Economics; Department of Social Work, Department; Department of Psychology and Department of Sociology.
Some representatives of bodies within the University of Ghana
In addition, agencies and outside institutions present were Tobinco Foundation, Tabitha Ghana, Careplus Ghana, Imperial Nursing, Ma Mere, Nero Aged Care, Ghana Nursing Association, AnsMed Homecare, HelpAge Ghana, Aged Welfare Foundation, NCCE, Ark Lifestyle Foundation, Nanny Ghana Services, Methodist University, Los Abuelos, Misthy Cee Development Center, Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, as well as some media houses, including Ghana News Agency, Atinka TV, Metro TV and Ultimate TV.
The programme ended with a closing prayer by Dr Rev. Samuel Ayete-Nyampong after which members had lunch and socialized actively and warmly. The lunch was sponsored by Papaye Fast Food Limited and Walk with Pearls Foundation.
