Valeria, the amputee giving 1,000 other amputees new life

While the rhythms of busy life pulse through communities in Kaneshie, Nungua, Adentan, Kasoa, and Nsawam, one woman has become a symbol of healing, strength, and unwavering compassion.

Her name is Valeria Adzo Adzatia, and her life’s mission began not in comfort, but in pain—pain that she has since converted into something transformative.

She was amputated at the age of seven and has lived with it her entire life.

This personal experience shaped her deep understanding of the emotional and physical challenges that come with limb loss.

Valeria, a 33-year-old from Leklebi Agbesia in the Volta Region, grew up with dreams of becoming a banker. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science and is a proud mother to a young boy.

Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Cephas Adzatia, are both alive and have been pillars of support throughout her life.

“My family has stood by me from childhood till now,” she said, recounting how their unwavering love helped her navigate life after undergoing an amputation at the age of seven.

She often recalls how lonely and confusing it was navigating life as a young amputee, constantly asking her parents questions about the condition.

Years later, while abroad, she encountered someone who, despite living in the United States—a place where resources and information are more accessible—was still struggling with how to live beyond amputation.

This experience deeply moved Madam Adzatia. She began to reflect on the situation back home in Ghana and wondered: Who is supporting amputees in Ghana? Who is answering their questions or guiding them through this difficult journey?

Upon returning to Ghana, Madam Adzatia resolved to turn her experience into a force for change.

She started Smiles of Hope, an organisation focused on emotional rehabilitation and economic empowerment for amputees at all stages—newly amputated individuals, long-term amputees, and those using prosthetics, wheelchairs, or crutches.

She funds it largely from personal resources, supported by a single donor.

Her vision is to help amputees move beyond grief, rediscover their life’s purpose, and reintegrate into society with confidence.

Reduce suicide among amputees
One of her core goals is to reduce the rising rate of suicide among amputees driven by hopelessness, and to remind them that there is life beyond their condition.

To this end, Smiles of Hope provides peer counselling, where trained amputees offer guidance and emotional support to others.

The organisation also holds regular support group meetings where amputees share experiences and draw inspiration.

These sessions often feature expert guest speakers such as prosthetists, clinical psychologists, physiotherapists, and health professionals, who speak on issues like diabetes, mental health, and nutrition.

Skills training
Recognizing that many amputees lack the economic means to support themselves, Smiles of Hope has established skills training programmes in detergent making, bead crafting, and agribusiness.

Over 40 individuals have been trained and empowered with skills to generate income, and 60 others—including caregivers—have also received support.

To further broaden their reach, the organisation hosts quarterly symposiums that attract between 100 and 150 amputees.

These events offer a platform to discuss pertinent issues affecting the community.

Recently, Smiles of Hope organised health screenings in Accra, including prostate cancer and eye screenings, which attracted over 200 amputees and their caregivers.

Despite limited funding—often relying on an annual contribution from their sole donor—Smiles of Hope has made an impressive impact.

Over 1,000 beneficiaries
So far, over 1,000 amputees have benefited from its peer support and counselling services: more than 300 from one-on-one counselling, and over 700 through support groups.

The organisation has also provided legal assistance to over 30 individuals, helping them secure fair compensation.

According to a recent study, approximately 248,299 individuals in Ghana are living with amputations.

An estimated 2.5 million people in Ghana need prosthetics and orthotics, including over 846,000 children.

Madam Adzatia said, “I feel happy and fulfilled knowing that I have turned my own experience with amputation into a means to help many others.

“A lot of people look up to us, and I remember going through it alone at just 7 years old.

“Answering their questions and sharing my experiences is incredibly rewarding.

“We have made a significant impact on the lives of the people we work with, and that keeps us going.”

Achievements
Among her major achievements is the establishment of what is believed to be the only known active support group for amputees in the Greater Accra Region.

Over the past five years, her team has developed expertise in emotional rehabilitation and economic empowerment, forging strong partnerships with institutions such as Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Tema General Hospital, Ridge Hospital, and 37 Military Hospital.

The organisation has trained and certified amputees to support their peers, secured a dedicated office space to enhance operations, and partnered with a rehabilitation center to provide prosthetics to school-aged children in order to prevent school dropouts.

Challenges
But the work is not without its challenges. The organisation remains heavily reliant on a single donor, threatening the sustainability of its programmes.

Limited resources have made it difficult to train more amputees or expand into other regions.

11 active volunteers
With just 11 active members managing nearly 200 active cases, the team often works long hours and experiences burnout.

Inadequate transportation and challenges in collaborating with other institutions further hamper their ability to respond to new cases.

They also struggle with access to mobility devices and prosthetics for the many individuals who need them.

Looking ahead, Madam Adzatia hopes to provide mobility aids to more amputees and volunteers, expand medical outreach beyond the Greater Accra Region, and extend emotional and economic support to other parts of the country.

Eric Gaba nominated Valeria Adzatia
Her work has not gone unnoticed. Valeria Adzatia was nominated for MTN Heroes of Change Season 7 by Eric Gaba, who described her as “an amputee with a difference.”

Gaba praised her unique approach, saying, “Valeria is a typical example.

As an amputee, she decided to champion a cause that provides a conducive environment for colleague amputees to share their lived experiences.

“The model where amputees counsel other amputees is not only transformative but also innovative.

She also engages caregivers—because amputees’ challenges often extend to their families.

“Just last month, she organised a health screening in Accra that attracted over 200 beneficiaries. Persons with disabilities making great contributions often go not recognised.
“Valeria deserves support to take her psychosocial interventions nationwide, ” Gaba said.

Rev. Fr. Eugene Asante shares testimony
Rev. Fr. Eugene Asante, SVD, of the Divine Word Catholic Conference Centre, also shared a heartfelt testimony about the impact of Madam Adzatia’s work.

He described her as a compassionate and inspiring leader who brings hope and encouragement to amputees through her organization.

“I see this as a positive force in the community,” he said.

“I have participated in their screenings at the Orthopaedic Training Centre, and many of the amputees I met had lost hope.

“They believed they could no longer return to their normal routines, even after receiving prosthetics or artificial limbs.”

Rev. Fr. Asante explained that Smiles of Hope offers more than just services—it provides inspiration.

“When the team intervenes, they bring encouragement. Many of them are amputees themselves or individuals who use similar devices, so they can genuinely relate.

“By sharing their own experiences, they inspire others and reassure them that it’s possible to return to a fulfilling life,” he added

He emphasized the importance of the initiative, saying, “For me, this programme is a blessing to the community. It instills hope and helps individuals reintegrate into society after losing a limb.”

The priest also called for greater recognition of Madam Adzatia’s efforts.
“She does more than just meet with amputees—she organizes free health screenings and runs various support programmes.

“She genuinely cares about their well-being, offers them hope, and teaches them valuable skills that enable them to rebuild their lives.”

“Madam Adzatia truly deserves recognition for her dedication and impact,” Rev. Fr. Asante stated.

Charlotte Ansah, a beneficiary shares impact
One beneficiary, Charlotte Ansah, shared her emotional journey and the life-changing support she received from Smiles of Hope.

“I wasn’t happy; I was living a sorrowful life, crying every day in my room,” she recalled.

However, everything changed when Madam Valeria Adzatia, whom she fondly calls “Mz Vee,” sent counselors to visit her at the general hospital.

Charlotte said the intervention gave her renewed hope and helped her overcome the devastating belief that her life was over because she had lost a leg.

“The support made me realise that I was still part of the living,” she said. “Now, I know how to dress properly and receive compliments. I’ve even started a liquid soap business to support my children—something I learned through Smiles of Hope.”

She added that before the intervention, she spent a lot on medication, but the programme introduced her to a doctor who provided more sustainable solutions.

“Madam Adzatia has truly helped me,” Charlotte said. “Now, I have peace of mind and the confidence to go on excursions and enjoy life again.”

Mr. Nuuno, a beneficiary
Another beneficiary, Mr. Nuuno, has experienced a remarkable transformation thanks to the support of Smiles of Hope.

His wife, Ms. Becky, shared the impact the organisation has had on their lives.

She explained that ever since Mr. Nuuno had his leg amputated, he became withdrawn and preferred to stay indoors.

However, things began to change when Madam Valeria Adzatia introduced them to monthly counselling sessions.

“Now, my husband looks forward to going out and participating in activities with others,” Ms. Becky said.

“He enjoys meeting fellow amputees, having conversations, and even discussing football.”

Ms. Becky also revealed that Mr. Nuuno was abandoned by his family because of his condition.

“Madam Adzatia has greatly improved my husband’s health. Initially, he couldn’t do anything by himself.

“But through the counseling, teachings, and support from physiotherapists, he has learned how to properly bandage his leg and perform safe exercises,” she said.

She added that the support has not only helped her husband but has also had a positive effect on their entire family.

“I pray that Mz Vee (Valeria Adzatia) is blessed with long life and support to continue extending her good works to other regions,” she said.

Mohammed Yamba-beneficiary
Another beneficiary, Mohammed Yamba, shared how Smiles of Hope transformed his life after a tragic accident that led to the loss of his leg while working as a driver.

He recalled that while recovering in the hospital, he was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty.

“I was deeply worried about what life would look like going forward. I didn’t even want to go home,” he said.

It was during this difficult period that Smiles of Hope visited him. “They came to encourage me, and their support gave me strength when I needed it most,” Mohammed said.

Over time, the organisation’s volunteers continued visiting him and eventually introduced him to their monthly support meetings for amputees.

“Being part of this community helped ease my fears and brought back my happiness. I started to feel like myself again,” he shared.

Mohammed also praised Smiles of Hope for helping him secure justice.

“They even provided me with a legal representative to make sure I wasn’t cheated out of the compensation I deserved from the insurance company.”

Grateful for the support he received, Mohammed added, “I want everyone to pray for Mz Vee (Valerie Adzatia)—that God blesses her with long life and the wisdom to continue fighting for the amputee community.”

Valeria Adzo Adzatia’s story is a shining example of resilience, empathy, and transformative leadership.

Through Smiles of Hope, she is not only rewriting the narrative for amputees in Ghana but also building a legacy of compassion, empowerment, and purpose.