Armah-Kofi Buah takes care of the aged

For more than a decade, while many elderly people in rural communities battle loneliness, neglect and declining health in silence, a quiet but transformative intervention has been changing lives in the Ellembelle.

The AYA Elderly Care Centre, established by the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ellembelle in the western region, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, has become a refuge of care, dignity and renewed purpose for hundreds of aged residents.
Named after his mother (AYA) the centre has for the past ten years served as a place where elderly men and women are transported from their homes to receive medical care, enjoy nourishing meals, socialise with their peers and receive modest financial support.

This year’s yuletide celebration was no exception, as the MP personally joined the aged, dined with them and presented food parcels and envelopes as part of the season’s goodwill. This is a yearly and occasional ritual.

Inside the AYA center also comes a food bank, initiated by the MP, who is also the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, to feed not only the aged, but anyone who cares to be served by the food bank.

During the era of COVID-19, the MP initiated food Bank was the hope for many residents around the Center.
Speaking to journalists during the latest gathering, Mr Armah-Kofi Buah described the initiative as deeply transformational, not only in addressing physical health needs, but also in restoring emotional and psychological well-being.
“We ran this programme for over 10 years now and it has helped to transform the health, emotional and psychological needs of our old people. It gave them a sense of belonging and a place they can go to,” he said.
According to the MP, many of the beneficiaries had previously been confined to their homes, trapped in isolation and loneliness, with little human interaction.

The centre, he noted, has become a lifeline, bringing the elderly together and reminding them that they are valued and cared for.
“Some of them were stuck in their homes with nowhere to go. It’s all loneliness. This centre has proved that it is a programme that must be replicated,” he stressed, adding that participants have recorded significant improvements in their health, which has encouraged the continuation of the initiative.
Mr Armah-Kofi Buah said he draws inspiration from the consistency and loyalty of beneficiaries, many of whom have been part of the programme since its inception.

“I’m very happy that a lot of the people here have been part of this programme for the last 10 years and they continue coming,” he noted.
Beyond Ellembelle, the MP said his vision was to see elderly care centres established in every district across the country, describing the model as “very, very transformational.”

He explained that the stories of beneficiaries from reconnecting with old friends to regaining self-confidence, underscore the importance of structured care for the aged.
The MP also used the occasion to renew his advocacy for stronger state support for the elderly, particularly an increase in the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) grants.

He recalled calling for an increment during the anniversary celebrations two years ago, acknowledging that although there has been some improvement, more needs to be done.
“We must build a country where when you work hard, live by the rules and be a good citizen, when you grow old your country, community and neighbours will be there for you,” he said.

 

 

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