The Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana has demanded an unqualified apology from Nhyiaeso MP, Dr. Stephen Amoah, to all persons living with Sickle Cell Disease.

The Foundation made the demand in reaction to a statement by Dr. Amoah, which they described as “derogatory and terribly insensitive” against persons living with the disease.

Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile on Saturday, Dr Stephen Amoah likened the state of the economy to a “child with sickle cell”.

He told host, Samson Lardy Anyenini that; “Small push then there is a crisis. NDC and NPP have been trying to use a short-term approach to solve these problems that will not work. Let’s be very honest with ourselves. It will never work.”

The Sickle Cell Foundation of Ghana however finds the comment by the Legislator as a precipitant for stigmatisation and discrimination.

“The Foundation, on behalf of all persons with Sickle Cell Disease, their families and caregivers considers these words of a high government official as derogatory and terribly insensitive. This is an offensive and degrading statement that stems from ignorance that we must endeavor to eradicate from our public discourse, not just for the Sickle Cell Disease community, but for all other health conditions,” the Foundation said in a statement.

The Group, therefore “demands an unqualified apology from Dr. Amoah to the thousands of persons living with Sickle Cell Disease and relate conditions in Ghana for the ignorant statement”.

According to the Foundation, leaders in society must rather strive to support and encourage the provision of quality healthcare for all persons, particularly those living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Meanwhile, a non-governmental health advocacy organisation, Sickle Life has also called on the Nhyiaeso MP to retract his comment and take the opportunity to address the millions of stakeholders who have been impacted.

“While there are indeed several health and social challenges associated with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), you fell short of your mantle when you used your platform to dehumanise the brave warriors who live with SCD by comparing them to a volatile and fragile economy.

“Beyond that, we ask you – along with all the country’s leaders – to boldly and rightfully lead the charge on intervention efforts for SCD, especially considering the disproportionate impact it has on the constituents you serve,” the group also stated.