The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting disability inclusion following an engagement with amputees during an awareness walk in Accra.
The event, organised by Smiles of Hope as part of activities to mark Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, brought together persons living with amputations and their supporters to share their experiences, resilience, and daily challenges.
As part of the programme, the organisation presented a petition and a set of policy proposals to the Minister, calling for urgent and coordinated action to improve the welfare and inclusion of amputees in Ghana.
Presenting the petition, the Founder of Smiles of Hope, Valeria Adzatia, highlighted some of the major challenges facing persons living with limb loss, including the high cost and limited availability of prosthetic services, as well as limited access to economic opportunities.
The petition also highlighted concerns over the lack of structured pre- and post-amputation counselling in healthcare facilities, noting that many patients undergo amputations without adequate psychological preparation or emotional support.
The organisation further pointed to the absence of a comprehensive national amputee database, saying the lack of reliable data continues to affect effective policy planning and the implementation of targeted interventions.
In response, the Minister acknowledged the concerns raised, noting that they reflect the real challenges many people face as they work to rebuild their lives after amputation.
She stressed that disability inclusion should move beyond policy discussions and be translated into practical support systems that promote dignity, independence, and equal opportunities for all.
Dr. Lartey also highlighted the need to strengthen rehabilitation services, improve access to assistive devices, and expand social protection programmes for vulnerable groups, including amputees.
She assured that the Ministry would engage relevant stakeholders to review the proposals and identify practical ways of implementing them within existing policy frameworks.
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of physical ability, has the opportunity to live with dignity and actively contribute to national development.