Hohoe: The Hohoe Department of Social Welfare and Community Development has recently conducted a sensitization program for the Gbi Godenu community, focusing on the causes, effects, and treatment of visual impairment in children.
According to Ghana News Agency, the initiative was a collaborative effort with the Department of Children under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, supported by Visio International. The program aimed to identify parents and caregivers of visually impaired children and establish support groups within the community.
Mr. Henry Yanpalleh, the Hohoe Municipal Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, stated that this event was part of a broader series of programs organized over the past five years to educate the public on the proper care of visually impaired individuals. He emphasized the importance of providing visually impaired people with the information necessary to access services that empower and integrate them into society.
Mr. Yanpalleh expressed concern over certain community actions that hinder the participation and socialization of visually impaired children. He highlighted the need to support and nurture the talents and qualities of these children, enabling them to contribute to societal growth.
Dr. Eric Kwao, an optometrist at the Volta Regional Hospital in Hohoe, urged community members to undergo eye screenings twice a year for proper eye care. He pointed out that visual impairment can stem from genetic conditions, injuries, and the use of traditional remedies, such as cassava leaf extracts. He also noted that cataracts and glaucoma are major causes of visual impairment, treatable through surgery and medication.
Mr. Eric Allotey-Pappoe, Assessment Officer at the Regional Assessment and Resource Centre, praised the continuous efforts of the Department, the Ministry, Visio International, and other stakeholders in supporting visually impaired individuals, especially students. He noted that such support has led to improved learning outcomes, citing the example of five visually impaired candidates who sat for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Togbe Osei III, Chief of Gbi Godenu, encouraged parents to care for their wards and promptly report any unusual signs. He also urged students to report sight-related issues and commended the Department and stakeholders for their engagement.
The community was further educated on communication and support for parents and caregivers, teaching everyday activities to visually impaired children, and the community's role in supporting affected families. The program was themed: 'Caring for Children with Visual Impairment: Why Children Lose Their Vision and What We Can Do - Visual Stimulation, Finding Out What Your Child Can See, Teaching Everyday Activities, Among Others.'