The Executive Director of Youth and Disability (RYD) International has stressed that “disability is not a taboo, but rather a competitive disadvantage for leadership in Ghana, particularly among the Asantes and Gonja.”

Dr James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr. made this statement at the launch of the “Disability Conversation,” an initiative by RYD International and the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation, held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Naa Dedei Conference Hall of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

The goal of the Disability Conversation is to place disability at the centre of national dialogue and foster public media advocacy around the subject.

Organizers of the initiative stated that it seeks to “demystify disability and recognise it as a human condition.”

The event featured a diverse group of trailblazers with disabilities who have achieved significant success in public life.

The participant-discussants, who were interviewed by Emefa Apawu of Multimedia, included Dr Henry Seidu Daannaa, Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, Evelyn Appiah, Kwasi Subi, and Dr Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah.

Former National Security Minister, Francis Poku, served as the chairman of the event.

The Special Guest of Honour was former President John Agyekum Kufuor, and the keynote address was delivered by Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, JSC. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister for Works and Housing, was among the dignitaries present.

The launch marks a significant step in promoting inclusivity and creating awareness around the importance of understanding and addressing the needs of persons with disabilities in Ghana.