Rev. Steve Mensah calls for a disability-friendly Ghana …at 10th Anniversary of Day of Help in Takoradi
For a decade, the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM) has empowered persons living with disabilities through its flagship Day of Help initiative, transforming compassion into nationwide action.
The 10th Anniversary celebration in Takoradi brought together thousands of beneficiaries, volunteers, and partners from all 16 regions of Ghana to mark a decade of inclusion and support.
Since its inception, the Day of Help has provided free medical care, assistive devices, surgeries, food support, and vocational training to over 50,000 persons with disabilities, making it one of Ghana’s most impactful humanitarian movements.
This year’s anniversary marked a pivotal shift: the initiative is evolving into the CEM Ability Village Project, a permanent foundation for empowerment. Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin in December 2025 at Agortor-Kope in the Shai-Osudoku District.
Mr Fred Nuer, CEO of the CEM Ability Village, explained that the original plan to site the project solely in Accra on 2,000 acres has been expanded to include regional Ability Centres in all 16 regions.
“By decentralising, we ensure persons with disabilities across Ghana can access opportunities closer to home. Communities nationwide will experience inclusion in tangible ways,” he said.
This approach aligns with Ghana’s disability inclusion agenda and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, promoting decent work and reduced inequalities.
Speaking on behalf of persons with disabilities, Mr Alexander Kojo Tetteh, President of the Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities, expressed gratitude to Rev Dr Steve Mensah and CEM for their decade-long impact.
He called on the government to partner with the Ability Village, a project set to provide homes, a specialist hospital, vocational training centers, industrial and technology hubs, and schools for disabled individuals.
Delivering a message on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Mr Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Presidential Envoy for Interfaith and Ecumenical Bodies, commended CEM’s leadership and reaffirmed government support for the Ability Village vision.
“Building a disability-friendly Ghana requires partnerships where compassion meets structure, and service becomes sustainable,” he said.
Rev Dr Steve Mensah, Founder and General Overseer of CEM and Chairman of the Ability Village Project, described the anniversary as a moment of reflection and renewed national commitment.
“The Ability Village is not a shelter; it is a launchpad for empowerment. For ten years, we have carried the vision to restore dignity and opportunity to persons living with disabilities. Every person has God-given potential; our task is to help them unlock it,” he stated.
Long-time partner Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, Founder of the Reneaddo Foundation, praised CEM’s consistency and compassion, noting that their aligned visions restore dignity, open opportunity, and empower those often left behind.
The event concluded with the relaunch of the “10 for Ability” campaign, calling on Ghanaians, corporations, and donors to contribute GH¢10 monthly for 12 months toward the construction of regional empowerment centres.
The CEM Ability Village at Agortor-Kope aims to become Africa’s largest faith-inspired empowerment centre, providing integrated rehabilitation, healthcare, skills training, and employment for persons living with disabilities.
BY TIMES REPORTER
🔗 Follow Ghanaian Times WhatsApp Channel today. https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
🌍 Trusted News. Real Stories. Anytime, Anywhere.
✅ Join our WhatsApp Channel now! https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbAjG7g3gvWajUAEX12Q
