KATH engineer produces cheap prosthetic arm to help amputees

The cost of prosthetic limbs can run into thousands of cedis, making them inaccessible for the disabled poor.

Fortunately, an engineer at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital is changing the narrative by producing affordable prosthetic arms costing about ¢200.

Ing. Wireko Brobbey says he was motivated by the surging amputees on the streets begging for arms.

“I was touched by amputees on our streets without prosthetics due to lack of funds to purchase them. The weight of the existing ones made it uncomfortable to carry around,” he said.

The prosthetic arm is made from foam rubber which he says “is readily available and offers less weight.”

The arm can turn at different angles. The elbow moves forward and backwards like the natural arm.

Ing. Wireko Brobbey says the prototype is very cheap and easy to maintain.

The prototype cost about ¢200 compared to the ¢5,000 to ¢50,000 of a conventional prosthesis.

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Emmanuel Wireko-Brobby

prosthetic arm