By: Rebecca Ampah
Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Administration, has donated food items and supported a free eye screening exercise at the Dzorwulu Special School as part of activities marking her 60th birthday, under the theme “Celebrating 60 Years of Purpose: Nana Oye Bampoe Addo Reaffirms Commitment to the Vulnerable and Marginalised.”
The visit forms part of her long-standing practice of marking her birthday with children of the school and other vulnerable groups. Her 60th birthday falls on January 31.
Items presented included bags of rice, cooking oil, packs of bottled water, crates of eggs, lunch packs, sweets, cake, toys, and other supplies to support the welfare of the children.
A free eye screening exercise was also organised for students, teachers, and other staff as part of the outreach.
She was accompanied by several dignitaries, including the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim and the Chief Executive Officer of the Students Loan Trust Fund (SLTF), Dr. Saajida Shirazas as well as her daughter, family members, friends, and other invited guests.
The children welcomed the delegation with music and excitement on arrival. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo joined the pupils on the dance floor as the jamed to the music. The school’s choreography team also performed during the event.
Speaking at the programme, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo described birthdays as moments of deep reflection and gratitude to God, noting that she chose to begin her birthweek celebrations with persons living with disabilities.
“Birthweeks are not mere days marked on a calendar; they are critical moments set aside for deep reflection; reflection on the abundant love, grace, and mercies that God has shown to us over the years. They are times to pause, to look back with gratitude, and to look forward with renewed purpose,” she said.
“As I reflect on my 60th birthday, which comes off on the 31st of January, I am profoundly aware that life itself is a gift, one that is meant to be shared. It is for this reason that I have chosen to begin the celebration of this milestone by sharing the gift of life with my specially abled friends, my brothers, my sisters, and my children living with disability.”
She emphasised the role of education in transformation and personal growth.
“Education remains central to the transformational journey of every individual in these modern times. The Bible reminds us in Hosea 4:6 that ‘My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge,’ and again in 2 Timothy 2:15, we are admonished to ‘study to show yourself approved unto God.’ These truths have guided my life. I am where I am today, and I am who I am today, first by the grace, mercies, and abundant love of God, and second through the power of education.”
She said supporting education is a key part of her 60th birthweek outreach.
“Throughout my journey in human rights law, I have consciously dedicated myself to the service of the vulnerable, the downtrodden, the voiceless, and those who exist at the margins of society. In fidelity to this longstanding creed, I have chosen to spend this critical week with persons living with disability,” she noted.
Explaining her choice of the school, she added: “I chose Dzorwulu Special School because of its proven dedication to empowering persons with disabilities and restoring hope through quality education. It is my sincere prayer that the items being donated today will complement the noble efforts of the school.”
She urged school authorities to make effective use of the items and called for increased support for persons with disabilities.
“Finally, I wish to use this opportunity to call for increased and sustained support for persons with disabilities, many of whose life stories stand as living testimonies that disability has never been an inability.”
In additional remarks, she said: “Our persons with disability are our brothers and sisters, some of them are vulnerable and as a Christian, the Bible tells us to love them with all our hearts and soul. So at 60 years, I thought it best to come spend and have party and good time to come and give gratitude to God. I’ve always come years as a minister for Gender and other times and I am happy to here today, its been a wonderful time.”
On the values that have guided her life and service, she stated: “Integrity, honesty, true conviction and service to humanity and vulnerable is what has kept me for 60 years.”
The Headmaster of Dzorwulu Special School, Mr. Frederick Tetteh, expressed appreciation for her continued support and long-standing relationship with the school.
“I have known you over 20 decades and every year, you celebrate your birthday with the children of dworwulu special school. I thought things will change as you grow but you’ve never changed. We are grateful and you have supported the school very well. We hope that God blesses you more that next,” he said.
Mr. Tetteh also noted recent support for the school’s digital learning. “Just last week 20 brand new computers were donated to dworwulu special school by the government in collaboration with the national disability council. We are amazed to see people that people don’t regard are using computers,” he added.
The event ended with performances, presentations, and shared meals between the guests and the children and staff of the school.
