By Maxwell Awumah
Ho, June 21, GNA – The Assessment and Counselling Hub of the African Disability Institute (ADI), an entity shaping policy through research and advocacy, an Embassy of Japan funded project, has been commissioned at an impressive event in Ho.
Funded under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Project (GGHSP) worth US$83,662, the Institute aims to instill hope and symbolize cohesion and dignity for People with Disability (PWDs).
The Ambassador, Embassy of Japan in Ghana, Mr Yoshimoto Hiroshi, in a remark during the commissioning, said the Hub would provide most essential services, including mental health support, ear and eyesight assessment as well as psycho-social support to PWDs across the region and beyond.
“We have to work together to improve access to these crucial services tailored to meet special needs of PWDs. The conversation has to go beyond policies to actual provision of requisite infrastructure and equipment to enhance service delivery.”
Mr Yoshimoto is desirous of this project and other GGHSP project across the country serve as a symbol of growing friendship between our two countries, stating that the government of Japan was committed to a firm collaboration for sustainable development in the country.
He acknowledged ADI, formerly VOICE Ghana, for the immense contribution to the project and being at the forefront of the fight for inclusive society, shaping policies through research and advocacy, while recognizing the efforts of Ho Municipal Education Service, the Municipal Assembly for their technical support.
“Let us continue to advocate and build a world that leaves no one behind. I encourage counsellors to serve with open hearts. I trust all will work together to maintain the facility for generations unborn to meet the project objectives.”
Mr Francis Asong, Executive Director of ADI, said for years, the entity had envisioned a safe, professional, and accessible space that offered timely assessments and counselling services for persons with disabilities—a place not only for screening and diagnosis, but for restoring hope, self-worth, and social reintegration.
He said that persons with disabilities deserve a central place in our policy-making, planning, and progress.
He re-echoed that the hub is shaped by PWDs advocacy, informed by lived experiences, and powered by voices of partners, stakeholders, and the wider disability community and paid glowing tribute to founding members, past and present Board members.
He said the commissioning was more than the unveiling of a building, it marked the beginning of a new chapter in which persons with disabilities and school children alike, could access person-centred, and rights-based support in a dignified and inclusive environment that enabled them to realise their full potential.
“We are deeply grateful to the Government and People of Japan, and to your esteemed office at the Embassy here in Accra, for believing in our mission. Your support goes beyond infrastructure. It is an investment in human lives, and the enduring values of equality and inclusivity.”
Mr Charles Nyante, Director of Operations of ADI, said the Assessment section would host specialist ophthalmologists and audilogists from Ho Teaching Hospital and the University of Health and Allied Sciences to screen patients for early detection and timely referrals and intervention with the Counselling section providing psycho-social support services to PWDs school children and community at large.
He disclosed that the Hub was anchored on partnership with key stakeholders such as Regional Mental Health Unit of the Ghana Health Service, Counselling Unit of Ho Municpal Hospital, Ghana Enterprises Agency, Special Education Division (SpED), School Health Education Programme (SHEP), Hearing Assessment Unit of HTU and UHAS.
Dr Esther Yeboah-Adzimah, Ho Municipal Director of Education, represented by Mr Fredoline Dedume, Municipal Exams Coordinator, said the establishment of the Hub was apt as it would serve as one spot to diagnose and detect eye and ear related problems in a conducive environment.
She said disability was not inactivity and advocated the inclusion of an autistic facility into the hub.
Togbe Anikpi III, Divisional Chief of Ho Ahoe, who presided, commended the Embassy of Japan for the bilateral ties with Ghana, which had provided positive outcomes.
There were solidarity messages from the Ghana Federation of Disable (GFD) and Department of Social Welfare, among others.
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie