A new assessment and counselling hub established by the African Disability Institute (ADI) in Ho is set to transform the lives of residents—particularly children—by providing free, essential health and psychosocial services focused on vision and hearing impairments.

Funded by the Japanese government through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, the $83,000 facility aims to promote social inclusion by delivering critical services to persons with disabilities and the wider community.

Changing Lives Through Early Detection and Support

Director of Operations at ADI, Pastor Charles Nyante, explained that the centre will provide counselling and psychosocial support to individuals with disabilities and their families, equipping them with tools to better manage their conditions.

Beyond counselling, the centre will also serve as a diagnostic hub. Medical professionals from the Ho Teaching Hospital and the University of Health and Allied Sciences will provide eye and ear assessments through specialised ophthalmology and audiology services.

The hub is fully equipped with accessible male and female washrooms, a spacious waiting area, and state-of-the-art diagnostic tools, including a crank hospital bed, X-ray viewer, trial lens set, ophthalmoscope, audiometer, tympanometer, and OAE screening device.

Free Services for All—With Focus on Children

ADI Director Francis Asong emphasized that the hub is open to all members of the public, with services provided entirely free of charge. The primary focus will be on early detection of hearing and vision impairments, particularly among children, to enable timely medical intervention and improve long-term outcomes.

“Mental health support from the Ghana Health Service and other partners will also be available,” Asong added. “This centre is not only for diagnosis—it’s a gateway to inclusion and better health for everyone, especially those often left behind.”

Reaching the Unreached

In a bid to extend these life-changing services beyond urban Ho, ADI plans to undertake community outreach programmes in hard-to-reach areas and, based on demand, establish another hub to serve the northern part of the Volta Region.

A Symbol of Friendship and Inclusion

Japanese Ambassador to Ghana, Hiroshi Yoshimoto, who officially commissioned the facility, praised the initiative as a beacon of inclusion and a key step toward universal health coverage.

He highlighted the partnership as a reflection of the growing bond between Japan and Ghana and applauded the African Disability Institute’s efforts to champion the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities across the continent.

“The government of Japan is committed to working with Ghana and all stakeholders to achieve sustainable development and improve lives,” the Ambassador said.

As Ghana continues to work toward inclusive development, the new hub in Ho stands as a powerful symbol—offering hope, health, and opportunity for a better future to some of its most vulnerable citizens.