Dr. Efua Mantey Agyire-Tettey, the Coordinator for CEDSA, during her opening remarks
The Centre for Disability Studies and Advocacy (CEDSA), formerly known as the Office of Students with Special Needs (OSSN), has observed the 2022 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
To commemorate the day, which was on the theme, “Transformative Solutions for Inclusive Development: The Role of Innovation In Fueling an Accessible and Equitable World”, an entrepreneurship seminar for Students with Special Needs was held. The seminar was in partnership with the Institute of Applied Science and Technology (IAST-UG), Nestlé Ghana, and Nestlé Central and West Africa (CWA).
In her opening remarks, the Coordinator for CEDSA, Dr. Efua Mantey Agyire-Tettey, expressed her gratitude to the Nestlé team for their continuous support to the Centre in organising educative seminars. She informed participants that Nestlé Ghana has recruited five (5) students of CEDSA for internship and National Service, demonstrating their commitment to the country’s signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
Dr. Agyire-Tettey stated that diversity and inclusion is a mark of the CRPD and appealed to all stakeholders to create a sense of innovation, transformation and diversity toward accepting persons with disabilities in our society and our workplaces.
Mrs. Sophia Benson, the Human Resource Manager of Nestlé Ghana, reiterated the proposal made by the team during a career seminar held in April 2022, to organise an entrepreneurship seminar for the students.
She informed participants that Nestlé has formalized the relationship with the Centre, which is evidenced in the renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Nestlé and the University of Ghana, where CEDSA was one of the collaborating units at University of Ghana. She added that Nestlé Ghana has three (3) pillars on youth development namely- Employment and Employability, Entrepreneurship, and Agripreneurship and indicated that the current seminar was leveraged on the Entrepreneurship pillar.
Mr. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, the Founder of ShaQ Express and Mr. Michael Owusu Asare, CEO of No-limit Consult were the resource persons who shared their experiences and challenges as entrepreneurs, as well as best practices, with the participants.
Mr. Anthony Owusu-Ansah, the Founder/CEO of ShaQ Express
The students were advised to develop a strong mindset and not allow stigma and negative comments from the society to discourage them.
Mr. Michael Owusu Asare during his presentation
Ms. Princess Mensah, on behalf of the students with special needs, expressed gratitude to the organisers of the seminar especially Nestlé, for taking the lead in advocating for the provision of employment for persons with disability and in tackling youth unemployment. She thanked her colleagues for participating in the seminar and encouraged them to develop strong mindsets to become successful entrepreneurs.
The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on 3rd December was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly resolution 47/3. The observance of the Day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and the well-being of persons with disabilities.
