A development consultant in the Upper East Region, Sumaila Saaka has called for a review of the country’s building codes to enable persons with disabilities have easy access with public buildings.
Public buildings in the Upper East region such as the office of the regional minister, some offices of municipal and district chief executives, the SNNIT office complex, the high court and the Ghana health services directorate are among many public buildings that are not disability friendly. The situation pressured persons with disabilities to petition authorities over the situation.
But speaking to the media in a sideline of a day workshop for media on the rights of persons with disabilities and women, Mr. Saaka said when the country’s building codes are reviewed, contractors putting up state facilities will take into consideration the needs of persons with disabilities.
“Once the building code is reviewed and it takes into account the fact that public buildings should include so that when those who are designing these buildings meet this code. So that when there are problems then you can hold them reliable”
Mr. Saaka entreated media practitioners to be circumspect on the choice of words when reporting on issues with persons with disabilities. Mr. Saaka also called for an inclusion of women in decision making
The day’s training formed part of Community Development and Advocacy Center (CODAC) project funded by Star Ghana. Executive director of CODAC, Seidu Musah Akugri speaking exclusively with A1radioonline.com said the workshop is to equip the knowledge of journalists to better understand the rights of persons with disabilities and how to report on them.
“The people we are dealing with are vulnerable and don’t have voice and so the media which is the voice of the voiceless can always bring to the light of the people issues affecting the vulnerable”
Mr. Akugri admonished the assemblies to involve persons with disabilities in the planning and implementation of their programmes.
By: Joshua Asaah|A1radioonline.com|Ghana
