Gomoa East District Assembly Partners with ADPA to Launch 2025 UN International Day of Hope Celebration

By Joylinda Laryea / July 11, 2025

The Gomoa East District Assembly, in partnership with the African Disability Policy Advocates (ADPA), successfully launched the 2025 United Nations International Day of Hope on Thursday, July 10, 2025. The event was held under the UN theme: "Break the Silence: Centering Dignity, Rights and Inclusion in Mental Health."

Gomoa East was selected as one of only three districts nationwide to host this prestigious event, thanks largely to the dedicated efforts of the District Chief Executive (DCE), Hon. Margaret Naana Ackom. This honour highlights her strong commitment to promoting disability inclusion and advocating for mental health awareness in the community.

The program emphasized mental well-being for persons with disabilities as well as the general population, highlighting the damaging effects of stigma, discrimination, and neglect on vulnerable individuals. Speakers warned that such negative societal attitudes often exacerbate mental health challenges.

Key personalities who graced the occasion included Hon. Jeff Tetteh Kavianu, former MP for Upper Manya and ADPA Director of International Diplomacy and Policy, who delivered the keynote address. The Gomoa East Zongo Chiefs’ Head, Sariki Awudu Isaka Giwa, and a representative from the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Mr. Ishmael Genya, also attended. The event was chaired by Nana Obirifo Ahunako Ahor Ankobeah II, Omanhen of Gomoa Assin Traditional Council.

In his closing remarks, Nana Obirifo advised the youth to avoid drugs and substances such as cannabis, “Red,” and alcohol, warning that the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) does not cover mental health issues caused by drug abuse.

Hon. Jeff T. Kavianu urged society to treat persons with disabilities and those with mental health challenges with dignity and compassion, noting that mental incapacity can affect anyone.

Mr. Ishmael Genya reiterated the Ministry’s strong commitment to tackling mental health issues, warning that failure to act could pose a national security risk.

DCE Hon. Naana Ackom passionately called for an end to neglect and negative attitudes toward persons with disabilities, emphasizing that most disabilities are caused by factors beyond the individual’s control. She advocated for giving these persons a voice and greater inclusion in society.

Hon. Ackom also highlighted the establishment of the Disability Desk at the District Assembly—an initiative driven by her and supported by the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and ADPA. Kofi Michael Omoanoh, Communications Officer for the NDC Gomoa East Constituency, has been appointed as the Disability Desk Officer to oversee the desk’s activities.

In recognition of her leadership, ADPA presented two citations to Hon. Naana Ackom and the Gomoa East District Assembly for their outstanding contributions.

The event marks a significant step in promoting mental health awareness and disability inclusion in Gomoa East and beyond.