Build inclusion into core of workplace culture - Telecel Ghana HR Director

Rachael Appenteng, Telecel Ghana's Human Resources Director, advised businesses to embed diversity and inclusion practices as core components of their workplace culture to encourage innovation, increase engagement and drive long-term success, speaking on a panel at the EmpowAbility Seminar 2.0 in Accra. Mrs. Appenteng advised organisations to move away from treating diversity and inclusion as a performative strategy. She said, "Our diversity and inclusion strategy at Telecel is intentionally embedded in how we operate, not something we bring out for occasions."

The seminar was organized by the No Limit Foundation and the Centre for Employment of Persons with Disabilities (CEPD). Ms. Appenteng highlighted the success of Telecel's SuperCare initiative, describing it as an embedded organisational responsibility to ensure the needs of customers with disabilities are catered. She said, "We launched SuperCare in 2017 specifically to address the gap that Deaf customers faced in accessing telecommunications services. For nine years now, we have provided sign-language-trained agents, video-call customer support, and tailored connectivity packages that are designed around the actual usage patterns and economic realities of the disability community." The seminar was moderated by disability advocate Mary-Ann Eyram Basham. Other speakers on the panel included Prof. Augustina Naami, Alexander Tetteh, Comfort Ocran, Dr. Patrick Ofori, and Abdel-Razak Yakubu.

Ms Appenteng revealed that the telecom operator has commissioned a formal assessment to identify gaps and improve its environment for people with disabilities. Victoria Aidoo of Telecel's Digital Transformation team highlighted the impact of Telecel's digital tools on people with disabilities. Mr. Yakubu delivered the keynote address, saying that inclusive employment can no longer be framed as an act of charity. Telecel Ghana was recognised as one of the leading organisations transforming workplace