Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Talensi District of the Upper East Region are urging the government and relevant authorities to establish a resource center to enhance advocacy, education, and support for their members.
The proposed center, they believe, would serve as a vital platform for PWDs to gather, discuss issues of concern, and provide a safe space for members who face stigma and other forms of abuse within their communities.
Clement Sampana, the District President of PWDs in Talensi, highlighted the ongoing issues of stigma and unequal treatment that persist within their communities.
Speaking to our reporter, Moses Apiah, Mr. Sampana expressed concerns over the lack of dedicated spaces for PWDs to address these challenges collectively. He emphasized that a resource center would provide a safe environment where members could share experiences, rebuild confidence, and find solace in their struggles.
“The resource center would not only offer a place for us to meet but also a space to support and console members who have been traumatized by stigma or abuse,” Mr. Sampana explained.
Mr. Sampana made these remarks during the second quarter disbursement of the government’s Disability Fund, a crucial financial support system for PWDs. He noted that the fund, which arrived at a critical time, would significantly benefit many members. According to him, some recipients plan to use the funds to expand their small-scale businesses, while others are exploring new ventures, such as animal farming, to improve their livelihoods.
Despite the positive impact of the Disability Fund, Mr. Sampana stressed the need for additional support, particularly in the form of a resource center, to address the deep-rooted issues of stigma and discrimination. He believes that such a center would not only empower PWDs but also foster unity and purpose among them.
Source: A1Radioonline.Com | 101.1MHZ | Moses Apiah | Bolgatanga