Gender Minister reaffirms support for disability skills development

The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to promoting skills development and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities to help them live independent and dignified lives.

She gave the assurance when a delegation from Future Life for Disabled Rehabilitation and Training Centre, led by Emmanuel Jikun Tepa, paid her a courtesy call on Monday to explore collaboration to strengthen the organisation’s rehabilitation and vocational training programmes.

The meeting provided an opportunity for the non-profit organisation to outline its work and identify areas where additional support could help more persons with disabilities acquire practical skills and secure sustainable livelihoods.

Future Life for Disabled provides rehabilitation, vocational training and livelihood support in areas including shoemaking, leatherwork, furniture design, information and communication technology (ICT), beadmaking, soap making and fashion design.

The delegation highlighted the need for improved training facilities, ICT equipment and better access to markets for products made by trainees. It said such support would help expand its programmes, promote entrepreneurship and equip more persons with disabilities with skills to become self-reliant.

The request followed a submission to the Office of the Vice President, which was referred to the Ministry for consideration and appropriate action.

Dr Lartey welcomed the engagement and stressed the importance of creating opportunities for persons with disabilities to develop their abilities, acquire relevant skills and participate fully in national development.

The engagement forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to interact with disability groups, understand their needs and explore practical ways to advance inclusion and economic empowerment.

The Ministry remains committed to promoting the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities, with particular emphasis on access to skills training, employment and sustainable livelihood opportunities.