“We want empathy, not sympathy” – Upper East GFD President advocates for disability inclusion at Tea Day event

‎The Upper East Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, Akubire Mark Atia Ismeal, has called for greater inclusion and accessibility for persons with disabilities, urging society to move beyond sympathy to practical support and equal opportunity.
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‎Speaking at the A1 Radio/AquaBolg Natural Mineral Water International Tea Day Celebration, Mr. Ismeal said persons with disabilities have long been treated as second-class citizens but are now leading advocacy efforts for themselves.
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‎“Time changes. We decided to advocate for ourselves because if we were not doing it for us, then it’s better for us to cry for ourselves. That’s why we only say we want empathy, but not sympathy,” he stated.
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‎Mr. Akubire noted that increased advocacy by disability organisations in Ghana has opened doors for persons with disabilities to access education and professional careers.
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‎“For us today, a lot of us have been given the opportunity to go through the educational system and we are there. We have a number of lawyers, auditors, teachers, medical doctors, and even journalists in the country,” he said.
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‎He credited the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations for driving the transition that has made these achievements possible.
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‎Despite the progress, Mr. Akubire stressed that many public facilities remain inaccessible to persons with disabilities, posing serious risks during emergencies.
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‎“Today, some of the facilities are very challenging for persons with disabilities to access. You can testify,” he said.
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‎He cited emergency situations as a critical concern, questioning what happens to persons with disabilities when buildings are not designed with accessibility in mind.
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‎“Even the Ghana National Fire Service offices, some of the buildings are accessible, and some are not. When there is a fire outbreak, and able-bodied people find it difficult to escape, what happens to persons with disabilities?” he asked.
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‎Mr. Akubire used the platform to renew calls for institutions to prioritise universal design in both public and private buildings to ensure that persons with disabilities are not left behind in emergencies or daily life.
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‎The International Tea Day celebration brought together stakeholders from health, business, civil society, security agencies, and politics, among others, to promote inclusion, natural products, and community well-being.
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