In Cape Coast, Odro’s Foundation celebrated its 16th anniversary by handing out 13 wheelchairs, two walkers, four crutches, a pair of calipers, 30 spare wheelchair tyres, 20 walking‑stick rubber tips, 20 mattresses and 20 “chopboxes” – locally named portable bedding – to people living with disabilities. The items are aimed at promoting independence, dignity and inclusion, especially for students attending senior high schools.
Mrs Maame Samma Peprah, Esq., Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC) said the support was about more than physical goods.
For us, this is about dignity, independence and ensuring that persons living with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in society. A wheelchair, a pair of crutches or even a mattress for a student may seem like a simple item, but for the beneficiary, it can make a significant difference in their daily life and ability to pursue their aspirations.She added that the continued aid reflected a commitment to keeping young people with disabilities from being excluded from education and community life.
The initiative began in 2010 at Victoria Park after disabled athletes requested equipment to enable fuller participation in sports. The appeal sparked a partnership between Albert Barton Odro, a mental health lecturer at Middlesex University, UK, his neighbour Nesad Causevic, a wheelchair‑engineering specialist, and Alhaji Meffle, former NITA Central Regional Manager and patron of persons with disabilities. Causevic’s support enabled the shipment of 13 wheelchairs and 100 spare wheels from the UK to Ghana.
Over the years, the foundation has broadened its focus beyond mobility gear to include educational and essential items, sustaining the program through contributions from the Odro family and long‑time partners. The latest distribution is part of a broader commitment to help people with disabilities overcome barriers to education, mobility and community participation.
Looking ahead, the foundation plans to continue expanding its support, seeking new partnerships and responding to the evolving needs of the disability community in Cape Coast and beyond.
