Amputee advocacy group petitions gender minister for urgent reforms to address challenges

An amputee advocacy group, Smiles of Hope, has presented a formal petition to the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, calling for urgent reforms to address challenges facing persons living with amputations in Ghana.

The petition seeks to highlight key concerns affecting amputees and urges government to strengthen policies and support systems to improve their welfare and inclusion.

Speaking during the presentation, Director and Co-founder of Smiles of Hope, Valeria Adzo Adzatia, outlined the pressing difficulties confronting amputees and stressed the need for systemic interventions.

According to her, the organization has, since its inception, supported over 2,000 amputees through counselling, rehabilitation assistance, and skills training programmes. While acknowledging the resilience of amputees, she noted that significant gaps remain in the systems designed to support them.

She explained that many amputees are unable to afford prosthetic limbs, leaving them immobile and dependent on others. She also highlighted the lack of structured psychological and social support before and after amputation, noting that some patients undergo such procedures without proper counselling.

Economic hardship, she said, continues to be a major challenge, with limited employment opportunities pushing many amputees into poverty. Additionally, she pointed out that public infrastructure and transportation systems remain largely inaccessible to persons with disabilities.

She further raised concerns about the absence of comprehensive national data on amputees, which she described as critical for effective policy planning and service delivery.

Smiles of Hope is calling on government to establish a national prosthetic support scheme to make assistive devices more accessible and affordable. The group also advocated for the integration of mental health services into amputee care, mandatory pre-amputation counselling protocols, and targeted economic empowerment programmes.

Responding to the petition, the Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection Hon. Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, underscored the need for stronger systems and inclusive policies to support amputees nationwide.

She disclosed that government is taking steps to increase the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund for persons with disabilities, aimed at strengthening support systems across the country.

The Minister also indicated that measures have been put in place to ensure effective monitoring and timely disbursement of funds to beneficiaries.

“Previously, there were instances where funds were not released, sometimes for an entire year. We want to ensure that there is effective disbursement to those who need it,” she stated, adding that the Ministry is working closely with assemblies to improve accountability and service delivery.

She further highlighted provisions in the 2026 national budget announced by President John Dramani Mahama, including plans to supply assistive devices such as artificial limbs to persons with disabilities to enhance mobility and independence.

According to her, government is also implementing a five percent employment quota for persons with disabilities while efforts are underway to gather accurate data in collaboration with disability groups to inform policy decisions.

The Minister added that some persons with disabilities have been enrolled onto the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme to support those unable to earn a living.

“Through LEAP, they are able to at least feed themselves and live with dignity,” she explained.

She emphasized that despite the challenges, amputees continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience, though many still face barriers such as stigma, accessibility limitations, and difficulties with prosthetic use, which can impact their independence and mental health.

She stressed that achieving a fulfilling life as an amputee requires quality healthcare, access to adaptive tools, strong peer support, and sustained advocacy.

The Minister also commended the efforts of Valeria Adzo Adzatia for her advocacy work through Smiles of Hope, and praised the Ghana Amputee Football Team for their achievements on the continental stage, describing them as a symbol of resilience and determination.

She noted that the government’s interventions are expected to improve access to education, healthcare, and employment, enabling amputees to build sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national development.

The Minister concluded by calling on all stakeholders to intensify efforts to raise awareness, break down stigma, and promote inclusion, stressing the need for a collective commitment to building a society where no one is left behind.