The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reiterated government’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion following her participation in an Amputee Awareness and Visibility Walk held in Accra.
The event, organised by Smiles of Hope as part of activities marking Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, brought together amputees, advocates, and supporters.
It aimed to spotlight the resilience of persons living with limb loss while drawing attention to the challenges they face in everyday life.
During the engagement, the organisation presented a petition and a set of policy proposals to the Minister, calling for urgent and coordinated measures to improve the welfare of amputees across the country.
Presenting the petition, the Founder of Smiles of Hope, Valeria Adzatia, outlined several systemic challenges confronting persons with limb loss.
These include the high cost and limited availability of prosthetic services, as well as restricted access to sustainable economic opportunities.
The petition further highlighted the absence of structured counselling protocols in healthcare facilities for patients undergoing amputations.
According to the organisation, many individuals face such life-altering procedures without adequate emotional preparation or post-surgery psychological support.
Another key concern raised was the lack of a comprehensive national amputee database, which the group noted continues to hamper effective policy planning and the delivery of targeted interventions.
Responding to the concerns, Dr. Lartey acknowledged that the issues raised reflect the lived realities of many Ghanaians striving to rebuild their lives after amputation.
She stressed that disability inclusion must move beyond policy rhetoric to tangible support systems that promote dignity, independence, and equal opportunity.
The Minister emphasised the need to strengthen rehabilitation services, improve access to assistive devices, and expand social protection programmes to better serve vulnerable groups, including amputees.
She assured stakeholders that the Ministry would review the proposals and work with relevant partners to explore practical ways of integrating them into existing frameworks.
Dr. Lartey reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an inclusive society where all persons, regardless of physical ability, can live with dignity and actively contribute to national development.
By 1960news.com
