The Founder and Executive Director of the Reneaddo Foundation, Irene Naa Torshie Addo-Lartey, has commended the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM) for its initiative over the past 10 years to empower persons living with disabilities (PWD) in the country.
She said the vision of the General Overseer of the CEM, Rev. Steve Mensah, had ensured that PWDs live with hope and a sense of pride as the church’s intervention, through the Day of Help initiative, was transforming their lives.
Mrs Addo-Lartey said this when her foundation partnered the CEM to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Day of Help initiative at an event at Essikado.
The Day of Help is a social intervention programme that is helping to empower thousands of Ghanaians with disabilities through targeted support, skills development, and advocacy for dignity and opportunity.
The commemorative event, held at Essikado (Wise) Park in Sekondi-Takoradi, brought together government leaders, traditional authorities, faith communities, disability organisations, development partners, and corporate sponsors in a powerful expression of collective commitment to inclusion and transformation.
During the event, beneficiaries were presented with food and other essential items to support their upkeep and well-being.
Support for the vulnerable
Mrs Addo-Lartey explained that her long-standing relationship with the Day of Help initiative has been as a result of her lifelong passion for public service and advocacy centred on improving the lives of the vulnerable, having had the privilege to serve as Member of Parliament for Tema West and Administrator of the District Assemblies Common Fund.
She reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to inclusive development and announced plans to establish a training and vocational institute at the industrial hub of the CEM Ability Village when construction begins later this year.
The institute, she explained, will serve as a model for similar centres nationwide, designed to equip persons with disabilities with employable skills and entrepreneurial opportunities.
She also acknowledged the contributions of both past and current governments to advancing disability inclusion, particularly recent educational and social welfare policies.
She commended President John Dramani Mahama for introducing Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities, describing it as a progressive and equitable intervention that aligns with Ghana’s vision of social justice.
Ability Village
Rev. Dr Mensah announced that as a legacy for the 10th anniversary celebration, the CEM would transform its single outreach initiative into an Ability Village project.
Known as the CEM Ability Village, it provides integrated rehabilitation, health care, skills training and employment for persons living with disability (PWDs).
The construction of the first phase of the project is expected to begin in December at Agortor-Kope in the Shai-Osudoku District in the Greater Accra Region.
Rev. Dr Mensah stated: “The Ability Village is not a place of refuge; it is a place of renewal. For 10 years, we have given help, but now we are building systems that empower.”
“Our goal is not just to care for persons with disabilities, but to create an environment where they can discover purpose, dignity, and opportunity, where ability, not limitation, defines their future,” Rev. Dr Mensah explained.
