Physically Challenged unhappy with Gov’t

The Disability Law was enacted on the 23 of June 2006, to promote the rights of people living with disabilities. Three years after its enactment, the law is not implemented.
The People Living with Disability (PWD) are worried about this development and want the government to act promptly.

Vice President of the Association of the Blind, Yaw Ofori Debrah said the high level of unemployment among skilled and qualified persons, exclusion from decision making and their in accessibility to public buildings are some of the challenges facing persons with disability.

He said although a lot has been done for them to be recognized in society, a lot more is left to be done to alleviate their hardship and limitations.

“Our regret though is the unexplained delay in the setting out of the National Disability Council which has the pivotal role in the implementation of the Act.

“In view of the crucial role the council is tasked to play, the government should act now to either dissolve the council or establish the directives for the effective functioning of the council”.

In addition to the inauguration of the National Disability Council, the PWDs are asking for their inclusion in the decision making process of this country.

According to them, unit committees, area councils and district assemblies should have a representation for person with disability and called for the amendment of the country’s constitution.

“The following are recommended for serious recommendation that is unit committee, area committee and district assemblies should have a representation for persons with disability.

“That the constitution of Ghana be amended to provide for quota system where persons with disability women and other interested group can be fairly represented to have their concerns and welfare well articulated”.

Mr. Ofori Debrah said sign language should be used as a national language and must be thought in schools, adding that it should be used on television and state functions.

In an interview with the Journal, the Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Sub Committee, Manpower and Social Welfare, Mr. Paul Okoh stated that both private and public institutions are guilty.

“Even though new building structures, especially schools both private and government, we do not have common ramps to make disability friendly.”

He called on the public to assist persons with disabilities in the society.