By Evans Worlanyo Ameamu
Keta (V/R), July 30, GNA – The Keta Municipal Assembly, in the Volta Region, through its Department of Social Welfare and Community Development, has officially inaugurated the Persons Living with Albinism Association (PLWA) in the municipality.
The initiative marked a significant milestone in promoting the rights, inclusion and well-being of persons living with albinism.
The inauguration ceremony, brought together persons living with albinism, officials of the Keta Municipal Assembly, the Municipal Health Directorate, members of the Disability Fund Management Committee, development partners and other key stakeholders committed to disability inclusion.
Mr Robert Kotey Ashie, the Unit Head of the Department of Social Welfare, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency after the programme, said that the formation of the association provided a formal platform for persons living with albinism to organise themselves, advocate for their rights and actively participate in decision-making processes affecting their lives.
“The association is also considering strengthening access to support services and creating opportunities for members to participate in future Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) elections and other leadership roles,” he said.
Mr Kotey stated that the programme featured a keynote address delivered on behalf of the Municipal Coordinating Director by his representative, Mr Saviour Agbeviade, who reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to protect the rights of vulnerable groups within the municipality.
He said an address was also delivered by Mr Mensah Djadoo, the Southern Volta Coordinator of the Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism (GAPA), who used the occasion to sensitise participants on the challenges confronting persons living with albinism and the need for sustained advocacy and support.
“A health education session on skin care and eye protection formed part of the programme, which aimed at equipping members of the association with practical knowledge to safeguard their health, given their heightened vulnerability to skin cancer and visual impairment,” he stated.
Mr Kotey further noted that the occasion was also used to officially swear-in the association’s executives and members, which formally outdoored the leadership that would steer the affairs of the newly formed body in the Keta Municipality.
Mr Godwin Etsey Adzipome, the Municipal Chairman of Persons with Disabilities, reaffirmed the commitment of the Assembly’s to protect the rights and dignity of persons living with albinism to promote equal opportunities, social inclusion and access to essential services for the group.
He said the Keta Municipal Assembly had also pledged to continue its collaboration with the association to advance disability inclusion, and assure that no one would be left behind in the municipality’s development agenda.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/ Christabel Addo