Ofosu Ampofo Urges Shift from Charity to Empowerment for Persons with Disabilities

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Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Advisor to the Vice President and Board Chairman of COCOBOD, has called for greater investment in the empowerment of persons with disabilities, urging stakeholders to move beyond charity and create sustainable opportunities for them.

He made the call while representing the Vice President at the Charismatic Evangelical Ministers’ Day of Help in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital.

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo said Ghana’s development should not be measured only by economic growth and infrastructure but also by how the country supports vulnerable people and ensures equal opportunities for all.

He stressed that persons with disabilities should not be seen only as people who need assistance but as individuals with skills, talents and the ability to contribute to national development.

According to him, many persons with disabilities face challenges because of discrimination, inaccessible public facilities, inadequate educational support and limited employment opportunities.

He called for stronger policies and a change in public attitudes to ensure that persons with disabilities are treated with dignity and given the opportunity to live independently.

Education and employment

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo described education as an important tool for reducing poverty and helping persons with disabilities become independent.

He called for improved access to quality education, appropriate learning facilities and financial support to enable students with disabilities to achieve their educational goals.

On employment, he urged public and private institutions to provide more opportunities for qualified persons with disabilities.

He also highlighted proposals for a five per cent employment quota for persons with disabilities, alongside incentives for employers who promote inclusive employment.

He emphasised that government policies must produce real results, including jobs, sustainable incomes and improved living conditions.

Disability funds must improve lives

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo also stressed the need for disability support funds to be used effectively to improve the lives of beneficiaries.

He referred to an increase in the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund for persons with disabilities to five per cent, saying the resources should support skills training, assistive devices and income generating activities.

He explained that financial support should go beyond meeting immediate needs and help beneficiaries establish businesses, develop their skills and become financially independent.

Disability villages to support independent living

The COCOBOD Board Chairman also highlighted plans for disability villages in the Greater Accra Region to provide services and support for persons with disabilities.

The proposed facilities are expected to offer vocational training, specialised healthcare, rehabilitation, counselling, assisted living and affordable housing.

He said opportunities in agriculture and business development could also help persons with disabilities earn an income, establish businesses and contribute to the economy.

He called on government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and private businesses to support initiatives that promote disability inclusion.

Call for an end to discrimination

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo urged schools, workplaces, public institutions and religious organisations to help eliminate discrimination against persons with disabilities.

He called on schools to promote inclusive education and encouraged employers to create accessible working environments where persons with disabilities can work and develop their careers.

Parents and religious institutions were also encouraged to recognise the abilities of persons with disabilities and support them to achieve their ambitions.

He further stressed that persons with disabilities must be involved in decisions that affect their lives.

“Nothing about persons with disabilities should be decided without their meaningful participation,” he emphasised.

Commendation for disability support initiatives

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo commended the organisers, volunteers and partner organisations for their continued support for persons with disabilities through medical care, assistive devices, surgeries, food assistance and vocational training.

He encouraged them to expand their programmes and work with government institutions, development partners and corporate organisations to provide long-term support.

He also urged businesses to move beyond occasional donations and invest in initiatives that create lasting opportunities for persons with disabilities.

Dr. Ofosu Ampofo concluded by calling for collective efforts to build a society where everyone has access to education, employment and opportunities to contribute to national development.

He reaffirmed that persons with disabilities deserve dignity, respect and equal opportunities, stressing that their contributions are important to Ghana’s progress.

By: Paulina Armah/Radio1.