By Eunice Hilda A. Mensah
Accra, April 30, GNA – Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of persons with disabilities, with a focus on addressing the needs of amputees.
The assurance forms part of broader efforts to promote inclusion, accessibility and dignity for persons with disabilities under national policy frameworks.
Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, gave the assurance on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at an amputee awareness walk in Accra.
“On behalf of the President, I give you my full assurance that the government, through the Ministry, will work on these issues and ensure that we give you feedback,” she added.
The event, organised by Smiles of Hope, was held as part of activities marking Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, observed globally in April to celebrate the resilience of amputees and advocate equitable access to care and support.
Dr Lartey said the programme was not merely ceremonial but a demonstration of solidarity, compassion and commitment to inclusion.
She noted that although many cases of limb loss were preventable, stigma and systemic barriers continued to compound the challenges faced by amputees in Ghana.
“Despite their resilience, many amputees face hidden struggles that affect their daily independence and mental health, and these are our brothers and sisters who deserve better support systems to live fulfilling lives,” she said.
The Minister outlined key government interventions, including plans to strengthen disability policies through free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, improved rehabilitation services and enforcement of a five per cent employment quota in both public and private sectors.
She reiterated government’s commitment to advancing reforms under a new disability framework to enhance inclusion and access to opportunities.
Madam Valeria Adzatia, Founder and Director of Smiles of Hope, presented a petition to the Ministry, calling for urgent interventions to address challenges confronting amputees.
She said since 2019 the organisation had supported more than 2,000 amputees with counselling, rehabilitation and skills training, but significant gaps remained.
Madam Adzatia identified key concerns, including the high cost of prosthetic limbs, lack of structured psychological support, limited economic opportunities, inaccessible public infrastructure and absence of comprehensive national data on amputees.
“These challenges are not just medical; they are social, economic and issues of human dignity,” she added.
Madam Adzatia called on government to establish a National Prosthetic Support Scheme and integrate mental health services into amputee care, while enforcing disability-friendly infrastructure laws and developing a national amputee registry to inform policy decisions.
She emphasised that amputees sought equal opportunities rather than charity.
“There is life after amputation, but that life must be supported by systems that work,” she said.
The event brought together amputees, advocacy groups, health professionals and members of the public to promote awareness and advance inclusive development.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey