The Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations has expressed grave concerns about the continuous discrimination against persons living with disabilities (PWDs) within the Upper East Region.
The Regional Chairman for the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, Mark Atia Akubire, speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show today, said the discrimination at all levels affects the total wellbeing of PWDs.
Mr. Akubire said persons living with disabilities have been excluded from decision-making processes and continue to be disadvantaged in areas such as marriage, family, and employment.
These challenges, he explained, exacerbate the poverty levels of PWDs while hindering their ability to fully participate in family life. He highlighted these challenges on the Daybreak Upper East show on A1 Radio.
Regarding governmental support, he expressed concern over delays in the distribution of essential aids and services meant for people with disabilities, which he noted as a gap across districts in the region.
He underscored the necessity of having dedicated representatives for disabilities within district assemblies to advocate for their rights and needs effectively. As the leader of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations in the Upper East Region, Mr. Akubire affirmed his commitment to advancing the cause of persons with disabilities, believing that concerted efforts and partnerships will lead to meaningful improvements in their quality of life and societal integration in the region.
In partnership with the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), he expressed optimism about addressing these issues. “Hopefully, by the grace of God, we are going higher to see what we can do. We are in partnership with CHRAJ, so I’m sure some of these things, they will help us out.”
He encouraged individuals with disabilities to recognize their inherent abilities and resist societal constraints, advocating for a shift in societal attitudes towards disability.
“I always tell my people that us people with disabilities, we are limited in one way or the other but not in totality. We should not allow society to dictate to us what we should do for them, but we should exhibit what God has given us. That will go a long way to change the narrative in the system,” he said.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com|101.1MHZ|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga|
