By Yussif Ibrahim
Obuasi (Ash), Dec. 13, GNA – Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the Obuasi East Municipality of the Ashanti Region have been advised to take full advantage of the many skills development prospects in AngloGold Ashanti’s 10- year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) to become economically self-supporting.
Madam Mavis Nana Yaa Kyei, Social Development and Gender Superintendent, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, who gave the advice, said the SEDP offered many opportunities under its economic pillar that PWDs could leverage to be economically independent.
She was speaking at a durbar organised for PWDs by the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly in partnership with AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine as part of activities in commemoration of World Disability Day.
She entreated PWDs in the Municipality to enroll in any of the company’s plethora of skills development programmes to improve their livelihoods.
Most young people with disabilities often face challenges securing employment due to limited opportunities and lack of the required skillset.
To address this, AngloGold Ashanti through its Enterprise and Skills Development Centre, has built the capacities of artisans, Small and Medium Enterprises, women and some unemployed youth in Obuasi.
The Centre’s training programmes have been hailed for its impact in employment creation and business development.
Ms. Kyei said the centre could serve as a catalyst for PWDs in Obuasi to address the unemployment situation among them.
Madam Faustina Amissah, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), said the Assembly had been consistent with their support for PWDs through the Disability Fund.
She called on PWDs to prioritise the acquisition of skills to enable them gain jobs or be self-employed.
The MCE underscored the need for inclusion and spoke against all forms of discrimination against persons living with disability.
“I want to call on PWDs in the Obuasi East Municipality to take full advantage of the training programmes organised by the Assembly and AngloGold Ashanti to acquire some skills.
Don’t see yourself as incapacitated; your disability should not hamper your progress.
Be results oriented and be independent,” she implored.
Over 200 PWDs who attended the event benefitted from AngloGold Ashanti’s quarterly free medical screening and support for PWDs.
They were provided with free medication and consulting services.
Mr. Kwame Ankrah, the chairman of the Obuasi East branch of the Ghana Federation of Disability Oganization, commended AngloGold Ashanti and the Obuasi East Municipal Assembly for supporting PWDs in the Municipality.
He also admonished his members to participate in the skills development schemes rolled out by AngloGold Ashanti to acquire employable skills.
GNA