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As the United Nations commemorates this year’s International Day of Hope under the theme: "Break the Silence: Centering Dignity, Rights and Inclusion in Mental Health," the African Disability Policy Advocates (ADPA), in partnership with the Gomoa East District Assembly, successfully launched the 2025 United Nations Day of Hope yesterday, Thursday, 10th July 2025.
Through tireless efforts, strategic lobbying, and active participation, Hon. Margaret Naana Ackom, the District Chief Executive, secured Gomoa East’s selection as one of only three (3) districts nationwide to host this prestigious event—and proudly, Gomoa East is the one to host the launch. This achievement is a testament to her unwavering commitment to disability inclusion and mental health advocacy.
The entire event focused on mental well-being among persons with disabilities, as well as the mental well-being of the general human race.
Speakers at the event stressed that stigmatization, discrimination, marginalization, and neglect of persons with disabilities normally worsen their condition, making it difficult for them to live a normal life. These negative societal attitudes, they said, sometimes push individuals into becoming mentally derailed.
The event was graced by very important personalities including the former Member of Parliament (MP) for Upper Manya Constituency Constituency, Hon. Jeff Tetteh Kavianu, who also doubles as the "ADPA" Director of International Diplomacy and Policy. He delivered the keynote address on behalf of Hon. Sanja Nanja, Member of Parliament and ADPA Board Member. Also present was the Gomoa East Zongo Chiefs’ Head – Sariki Awudu Isaka Giwa, along with a representative of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, in the person of Mr. Ishmael Genya, counsel for the Ministry. In addition, Miss Mariam Nyarkoh Amponsah, Head of Communication for ADPA, was present and actively participated in the proceedings.
The Omanhen of Gomoa Assin Traditional Council, Nana Obirifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobeah II, was the Chairman of the launch. He was accompanied by his sub-chiefs, queen mothers, ebusua mpanyinfo, and akyeamefo (linguists). In his chairman’s acceptance and closing remarks, he gave a thumbs-up to the United Nations and the ADPA for this great and thoughtful program. He used the platform to advise the youth to shun the use of stimulants and substances that push them into anti-social behaviours, especially the new drug in town known as “ Red,” cannabis, and alcohol. He further stated, “ You the youth will be disappointed to find out that the NHIS does not cover mentally-related issues when they are as a result of drug use.”
The Director of ADPA International Diplomacy and Policy, Hon. Jeff T. Kavianu, strongly advised society to treat both persons with other forms of disabilities and those who are mentally derailed with respect, dignity, love, and care, so that the canker against persons with challenges will be totally eradicated or reduced drastically. He added, “Mental incapacity is not far from anyone; everyone is prone to it.”
The Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry, through the Minister’s representative, Mr. Ishmael Genyah, stated the Ministry’s zeal to fight the menace rootlessly with all concerned bodies, leaving no stone unturned—because if we fail as a nation to confront it, it may become a national security threat.
The host District Chief Executive, Hon. Naana Ackom, highlighted her enormous passion to stage a war against neglect and unfair attitudes towards the mentally derailed. She further stated that the community’s unkind character towards persons with disabilities often develops into low self-esteem. She educated the gathering that most disabilities are not the fault of the individuals, but rather caused by birth conditions, injections (medications), or accidents. She also advocated for a speaking space for them to voice out their views out of silence, and called for love, care, and efforts to bring them closer to us.
Through her persistence and advocacy, Hon. Naana Ackom Margaret managed to initiate the creation of the Disability Desk at the Assembly, in partnership with the District Assembly, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, and ADPA.
The NDC Gomoa East Constituency Communications Officer, Kofi Michael Omoanoh, has been appointed as the Gomoa East District Disability Desk Officer to spearhead the oversight responsibilities of the desk.
The African Disability Policy Advocates (ADPA) also presented two citations to the DCE, Hon. Naana Ackom Margaret, for her wonderful contributions and to the Gomoa East District Assembly.
Story by:
Kofi Michael Omoanoh
Disability Desk Officer, Gomoa East District / C. Communications Officer, NDC.