Ghana commits to enhanced inclusion and healthcare support for persons with limb loss

The government is committed to building an inclusive society where all persons, regardless of physical ability, are empowered to live with dignity and fully participate in the national agenda.

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, said this at the Amputee Awareness and Visibility Walk on the theme “Beyond Survival: Dignity, Access, and Healing for Every Amputee” on Tuesday in Accra.

The event, organised by Smiles of Hope, formed part of activities marking Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, bringing together amputees and supporters to raise awareness on the lived realities, resilience and challenges faced by persons living with limb loss and limb differences.

She stressed that disability inclusion must go beyond policy discussions and translate into practical support systems that restore dignity, independence and equal opportunity for all persons with disabilities.

Dr Naa Momo Lartey noted the need to strengthen rehabilitation systems, improve access to assistive devices, and enhance social protection interventions targeted at vulnerable groups, including amputees.

She assured that the Ministry would engage with relevant stakeholders to review proposals presented and explore practical pathways for implementation within existing social protection and disability inclusion frameworks.

Presenting on behalf of the organisation, the Founder of Smiles of Hope, Ms Valeria Adzatia, highlighted major structural challenges affecting persons with limb loss, including the high cost and limited availability of prosthetic services and limited economic opportunities.

She also raised concerns about the absence of structured pre- and post-amputation counselling protocols within healthcare facilities, noting that many patients undergo amputations without adequate emotional preparation and support.

She noted that the lack of a comprehensive national amputee database indicates that the absence of reliable data continues to hinder effective policy planning and targeted interventions for amputees across the country.