A life-changing project to provide free artificial limbs to persons with disabilities in Ghana is underway, spearheaded by the Centre for Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities (CAPWD) in Nigeria and supported by CAPWD Ghana.
The initiative promises to empower hundreds initially, with the long-term goal of reaching thousands in need of mobility assistance.
The CAPWD, in partnership with the Ishik Tolaram Foundation-Nigerian, is committed to providing 500 Ghanian beneficiaries with custom-fitted limbs.
The distribution process, taking place in Ashaiman in the Greater Accra Region from May 6-13, is currently in its measurement phase, where technicians are assessing each beneficiary’s unique needs to ensure the perfect fit.
The measurements will be sent to Nigeria, where the artificial limbs will be constructed, after which the team will return in August to help fit, adjust, and train the beneficiaries on using their new limbs.
The coordinator of the project in Ghana, Thomas Awinbila, emphasised the programme’s far-reaching impact, noting that even at this early stage, the beneficiaries who have come for measurements represent all sixteen regions of Ghana, demonstrating the widespread need and the project’s commitment to serving individuals across the country.
Although these efforts are supported by local Ghanaian disability organisations such as the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled and the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, there’s still significant need for the number of qualified applicants: While it is intended to target 500 people, it is hoped this could be expanded to 10,000.
Mr. Awinbila emphasised the urgent need for partners and sponsors to expand the project and provide assistance to the thousands more who are waiting for support. “We need partners,” he stated. “If there are partners that would like to partner with us, in order to reach our alms to the rest of the people that are in Ghana, that would be fine.”
Despite expecting 70-75 people each day for measurements, the organisers have been overwhelmed with over 200 people showing up, eager to receive artificial limbs to support them in regaining mobility and independence.
“This can help you walk,” said Mr. Awinbila, who, having benefited from a similar programme in Nigeria in 2013, has an appreciation for the benefits of this programme. “Your leg is amputated, it’s very difficult for you to walk, but this can help you walk. You see, mobility is a problem for most of us.”
The artificial limbs are expected to significantly impact recipients’ lives, restoring self-confidence, dignity, and the ability to move freely and participate fully in society.
The current team, though based in Nigeria, has a vision to expand their work across Africa and the rest of the world, with Ghana being their first point of contact.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
