The Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reiterated the government’s dedication to disability inclusion after engaging with amputees during an Amputee Awareness and Visibility Walk organized by Smiles of Hope in Accra.
The event formed part of the activities undertaken to mark Limb Loss and Difference Awareness Month. It brought together amputees, advocates, and supporters to shed light on their experiences, endurance, and continuous challenges by people living with limb loss and limb difference across the country.
During the event, the participants seized the opportunity to voice out their concerns regarding challenges facing their healthcare, social protection, and economic inclusion that affect them. The program also provided the platform for engagement between policymakers and the amputee community.
As part of the engagement, Smiles of Hope presented a petition and policy proposals to the Minister calling for prompt and corresponding measures to be put in place to advance the well-being and inclusion of amputees in Ghana.
The Founder of Smiles of Hope, Ms. Valeria Adzatia, presented the petition on behalf of the group. She pointed out some key structural challenges that affect persons with limb loss.
These comprise the high cost and inadequate accessibility of prosthetic services and limited economic opportunities. This situation continues to limit the movement and independence of the group.
The petition also raised concerns about the absence of structured pre and post-amputation counselling services within healthcare facilities, noting that many patients undergo amputations without adequate emotional preparation and support.
She reiterated that many amputees struggle to gain employment, limiting their access to a sustainable income. This leads to hardships and economic dependence, with some having to beg money for their daily survival.
She further highlighted the challenges the group goes through accessing healthcare, especially the absence of structured pre- and post-amputation counselling services. She opined that, before individuals undergo amputation, they must undergo some psychological preparation and follow-up support after the procedure has been done.
“Smiles of Hope further underscored the lack of a comprehensive national amputee database, indicating that the absence of reliable data continues to hinder effective policy planning and targeted interventions for amputees across the country.”
Ministry of Gender
The Minister for Gender, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, acknowledged the issues they raised, which were also outlined in the petition. She described them as reflections of the daily realities faced by many people working to restructure their lives after amputation.
She emphasized that disability inclusion must not be limited to policy deliberations, but rather they should translate into real-world support systems that reinstate dignity, independence, and equal chance for all persons with disabilities.
Rehabilitation Systems To Be Fortified
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey highlighted the need to fortify rehabilitation systems across Ghana, as well as expand access to assistive devices. She also highlighted the need to boost social protection interventions, which are aimed at resolving the challenges of vulnerable groups, including those of the amputees.
The Minister made the assurance that the Ministry would carefully review the proposals submitted by Smiles of Hope and engage relevant institutions to explore feasible pathways for implementation within existing frameworks.
She stated that the partnership between the government agencies, civil society organizations, and development partners is very crucial in helping to resolve the many challenges faced by persons living with disabilities.
The engagement, she stated, is part of a broader national effort to enhance inclusivity and ensure that no section of the population feels neglected. For the amputees, the presence and willingness of the Minister gives them hope with a view to getting their issues resolved.
She opined that adequate policies that will improve their living conditions and enhance inclusivity will be implemented to help resolve the challenges they face.
She reiterated that the government is committed to building an inclusive society where all persons, irrespective of physical ability, will be empowered to live with self-esteem and fully participate in the national agenda.
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