By Nadia Ntiamoah
Vivo Energy Ghana PLC has reinforced its commitment to social inclusion and disability empowerment by extending financial support to the Ghana National Amputee Football Association as part of activities marking its 2026 Sustainability Week celebration.
The donation, presented under the theme “Kicking Off for Sustainability,” reflects the company’s broader commitment to promoting equal opportunities, reducing inequalities and supporting vulnerable groups within society.
The initiative also highlights the growing recognition that sustainability extends beyond environmental protection to encompass social inclusion, human dignity and community empowerment.
The gesture comes at a time when global attention is increasingly focused on the rights and welfare of persons living with disabilities.
According to international estimates, more than one billion people worldwide live with some form of disability, yet many continue to face significant barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment, sports and other opportunities necessary for personal and professional development.
As governments, institutions and private sector organizations work toward achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10 on Reduced Inequalities, there is growing consensus that sustainable development can only be achieved when all members of society are given the opportunity to participate fully and contribute meaningfully to national development.
It is against this backdrop that Vivo Energy Ghana, the exclusive distributor and marketer of Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in Ghana, chose to support the Ghana National Amputee Football Association during this year’s Sustainability Week activities.
The company explained that the initiative was funded through contributions made by employees, supplemented by additional support from Vivo Energy Ghana itself.
The theme for the 2026 celebration was inspired partly by the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the role of sports in promoting unity, resilience and inclusion across societies.
Company officials noted that sports possess a unique ability to break barriers, challenge stereotypes and create opportunities for people from diverse backgrounds and abilities to excel.
The donation therefore serves not only as financial support but also as recognition of the determination, achievements and contributions of Ghana’s amputee football team to national sports development.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony on behalf of the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Corporate Communications Manager Shirley Tony Kum emphasized that sustainability remains a central pillar of the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agenda.
She explained that the partnership with the Ghana National Amputee Football Association aligns strongly with the company’s values and its commitment to empowering communities through meaningful social interventions.
According to her, the company’s decision to support the amputee football team reflects its belief in inclusion, resilience and the importance of creating opportunities for all members of society regardless of physical ability.
“We are here today as part of our Sustainability Week Celebration. Sustainability remains a key focus area of our ESG agenda, and we are proud to support the Ghana National Amputee Football Association. This donation reaffirms our belief in inclusion, community support, and the power of resilience,” she stated.
The support has been warmly received by the leadership of the Ghana National Amputee Football Association, which has over the years worked to develop amputee football in the country despite facing numerous financial and logistical challenges.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the Association, Emmanuel Apkabli, Director of Welfare, expressed appreciation to Vivo Energy Ghana for recognizing the efforts and achievements of the team.
He described the gesture as an important acknowledgment of the role persons with disabilities continue to play in Ghana’s sporting landscape and broader national development.
Apkabli noted that support from corporate institutions remains critical in helping disability sports associations overcome resource constraints and continue competing at both local and international levels.
He further stressed that interventions such as the donation help strengthen the sense of belonging among athletes living with disabilities and demonstrate that they remain valued members of Ghana’s sporting family.
“This gesture makes us proud and reminds us that we are also part and parcel of the national teams. We promise the nation that we will continue to work hard and bring glory to Ghana,” he said.
The Ghana National Amputee Football Association has over the years earned recognition for its contributions to disability sports and for providing opportunities for athletes with amputations to compete and represent the country.
Amputee football has grown steadily in popularity globally and serves as a powerful platform for demonstrating resilience, determination and excellence in the face of adversity.
