Audio By Carbonatix
Disability rights advocacy groups are threatening to march to the Osu Castle and Parliament House to protest government’s failure to come out with a Legislative Instrument to back implementation of the Disability Law.
They say many disabled persons are dropping out of school due to unfriendly structures especially in Senior High Schools and tertiary institutions.
The organizations say government’s approach to the law since it was passed in 2004, is creating a society of beggars in the country.
The Bill which was first drafted in 2002 went through up to 60 amendments and finally passed into law by parliament in 2004.
Seven years down the line it remains only A document because the Legislative Instrument expected to give it power has not been given.
The bill aims to provide people with disability access to public places and equal employment opportunities.
It also demands the creation of desks specifically for disabled people at employment centers.
Empowering Ghanaians with Disability is a non-governmental organization which is championing the welfare of physically challenged people.
It says its studies show majority of disabled people drop out of school after the Junior high school level because infrastructure in many senior high school and tertiary institutions have no facilities to accommodate disabled persons.
President of the organization, Kofi Asamoah Nti, tells Luv News it is planning to mobilize people with disability to demonstrate in Accra to get government to act.
"I think the only option left now is for us to mobilize ourselves and demonstrate against government's foot dragging on the issue. Come to think of it almost all Senior High Schools and tertiary school are on the storey building. How do u expect a disabled person to use them. They just drop out of school because society does not care for them," he said.
Metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies are mandated by law to allocate one percent of the Assemblies’ Common Fund to disabled person in their respective areas.
The money is expected to be used to train and facilitate the movement of disabled people.
However information available to Luv News indicates most assemblies do not even have bank account to deposit the money, resulting in tension between the assembly and the disabled groups.
John Owusu who has been paralyzed from the waist since age five, endured hardship to become an accountant now working at the Komfo Anokye Hospital.
He re-echoes to Luv News some challenges people like him go through on a daily basis.
"Commercial vehicles refuse to allow me travel in their car because of my conditions, it’s so pathetic but I thank God I overcame the challenge and now i am in gainful employment," he lamented.
Source: Joy News/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Latest Stories
-
AFCON: Morocco releases Senegal fans after sentences served
1 hour -
Ghana Athletics president expresses concern over readiness for African Athletics Championships
1 hour -
Dreams FC edge Medeama to set up MTN FA Cup final against Nations FC
1 hour -
‘Let’s be measured in our expectations’ — Sannie Daara on Queiroz appointment
1 hour -
‘Let’s give him our full support’ – Sannie Daara calls on Ghanaians to back Queiroz
2 hours -
UHAS launches groundbreaking research to combat neonatal infections
2 hours -
7m agribusiness actors demand affordability connectivity
2 hours -
EPA CEO Prof Nana Ama Browne Klutse elected Global President of NDC Professionals Forum sweeping 91% of votes
2 hours -
Unregulated development threatens Akosombo, Kpong Dams — VRA warns
3 hours -
Sunyani West records 70 new cases of elephantiasis, hydrocele
3 hours -
8 fake National Security operatives arrested for alleged robbery of miners in Assin Awisam
3 hours -
After 30 years, we couldn’t remain mining contractors — Ibrahim Mahama on Damang Mine takeover
3 hours -
Photos: Vice President Prof Opoku-Agyemang represents Ghana at 4th “In Defence of Democracy” Summit in Barcelona
3 hours -
I didn’t just wake to take over Damang Mine, Gold Fields gave me the offer — Ibrahim Mahama
3 hours -
Ibrahim Mahama thanks Akufo-Addo for his role in securing Damang Mine takeover
3 hours