Centre for Retired Experts Proposes National Platform as 96% of Ghanaian Pensioners Seek Post-Retirement Roles

A landmark study by the Centre for Retired Experts (CREX) has revealed that an overwhelming 96% of Ghanaian pensioners are eager to continue working or contributing their expertise beyond the mandatory retirement age of 60. This finding has prompted stakeholders to call for the establishment of a National Retiree Engagement Platform, a structured mechanism designed to bridge the gap between retired professionals and institutions that could benefit from their decades of experience. The proposal, discussed during a recent seminar in Accra, aims to transform retirement from a period of inactivity into a strategic phase of national contribution and mentorship.

The research, conducted in February 2026 among 559 retirees, highlighted a significant disconnect between the willingness of seniors to serve and the opportunities currently available to them. While approximately 86% of respondents felt they were still highly useful to society and 98% expressed a desire to join a formal engagement platform, only about 20% remain professionally active post-retirement. Notably, the study found that financial incentives are not the primary motivator for these retirees; instead, they are driven by a desire for mental stimulation and a commitment to national development, particularly in the sectors of governance, education, and community advisory.

Experts, including Dr. Adam Salifu and Dr. Benedicta Quao of the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), have identified the lack of a coordinated framework as the primary barrier to utilizing this vast pool of human capital. Currently, 93% of retirees are unaware of any existing platforms to offer their skills. Dr. Quao emphasized that many retirees are specifically interested in advisory and mentorship roles, which could prove vital in cultivating the next generation of Ghanaian professionals. However, CREX—despite having the necessary operational certifications—currently faces significant resource and funding constraints, necessitating urgent support from both the government and the private sector to scale its operations.

The proposed National Retiree Engagement Platform is envisioned as a nationwide initiative that extends beyond urban centers to reach retirees in rural communities. Stakeholders argue that such a platform would not only boost national productivity but also significantly improve the mental and social well-being of the elderly by keeping them engaged and valued. Moving forward, the success of this initiative will depend on institutional reforms and the creation of formal matching mechanisms. By redefining retirement as a period of continued influence, Ghana has the opportunity to harness the expertise of its senior citizens to address critical professional gaps across the country.