HelpAge Ghana, has called on government and all well-meaning members of the society and responsible institutions to take action on the rampant abuse of the elderly.
The group expressed optimism that the intervention would help promote the rights of older people who suffer numerous violations such as accusation of witchcraft, beatings, torture and captivity for days without food as rituals for confessions.
A statement signed by Ebenezer Adjetey-Sorsey, Executive Director of the group and copied to the Ghana News Agency said these unlawful actions affect the ability of victims to create and support opportunities their children to make themselves useful to the society.
It said the1992 Constitution guarantees the right of the aged and called on institutional stakeholders to promote and protect these rights.
The statement suggested the need for public education so that the citizenry would appreciate the consequences of their actions and inactions on the rights of older people.
It said appropriate legal provisions should be enforced to protect elders and improve their access to legal aid.
The statement asked government not to delay in placing the required structures to implement the national Ageing Policy.
It said the policy was approved by Cabinet in 2010.
The statement also appealed to the Executive to send a delegation to attend this year�s meeting on the Rights of Older people in August.
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