ODRO’S FOUNDATION has marked 16 years of supporting persons living with disabilities in Cape Coast with the distribution of mobility aids, assistive devices and educational support items.
The 2026 intervention is aimed at promoting independence, dignity and inclusion, particularly among young people living with disabilities.
The items distributed include 13 wheelchairs, two walkers, four crutches, one pair of calipers, 30 spare wheelchair tyres, 20 walking-stick rubber tips, 20 mattresses and 20 “chopboxes,” as they are locally known.
The mattresses and chopboxes are intended to support students with disabilities pursuing Senior High School education by providing essential items to make their stay away from home more comfortable and manageable.
Supporting Dignity and Independence
The Chief Executive Officer of the Office of the Registrar of Companies (ORC), Mrs Maame Samma Peprah, Esq., who has joined her father in sustaining the initiative, said the intervention goes beyond the provision of physical items.
“For us, this is about dignity, independence and ensuring that persons living with disabilities have the opportunity to participate fully in society,” she said.
According to Mrs Peprah, seemingly simple items such as wheelchairs, crutches and mattresses can have a significant impact on beneficiaries’ daily lives and their ability to pursue their aspirations.
“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.
She said the continued support reflects the family’s commitment to ensuring that persons living with disabilities, particularly young people, are not excluded from educational and community opportunities.
“We are proud to continue what started 16 years ago, but we also recognise that the work must continue. Inclusion requires sustained commitment, partnerships and a willingness to respond to the actual needs of people,” Mrs Peprah stated.
From a Sporting Appeal to a 16-Year Initiative
The initiative began at Victoria Park in Cape Coast in 2010, after members of the disability community participating in sporting activities appealed for assistance to acquire equipment that would enable them to participate more fully in sports and community life.
The appeal resulted in a partnership involving Albert Barton Odro, Principal Lecturer in Mental Health Studies at Middlesex University in London; his neighbour in the United Kingdom, Mr Nesad Causevic, a specialist in wheelchair engineering; and Alhaji Meffle, former Regional Manager of NITA Central and former patron of persons with disabilities.
Alhaji Meffle has served as Chairman of the initiative since its inception.
Through Mr Causevic’s support, wheelchairs that were no longer required by users in the United Kingdom were sourced, collected and shipped to Ghana.
The first major consignment comprised 13 wheelchairs and 100 spare wheels to support repairs and maintenance.
What started as a response to an appeal at Victoria Park has since developed into a long-term initiative supporting mobility, education and the general wellbeing of persons living with disabilities.
Expanding Beyond Mobility Support
The initiative has been sustained through contributions from the Odro family and its longstanding partners, with ODRO’S FOUNDATION gradually expanding its support beyond mobility equipment to include educational and other essential items.
The foundation says the latest intervention forms part of its broader commitment to helping persons living with disabilities overcome barriers to education, mobility and meaningful participation in community life.
After 16 years, the initiative continues to demonstrate how sustained partnerships and targeted support can make a practical difference in the lives of persons living with disabilities.
