Members of Ghana Blind Union (GBU), Western Region branch, on Saturday, January 8, 2022 welcomed the 2022 year with a grand party dubbed ‘Jawuley with the Visually Impaired’ at the Star of the Sea Cathedral in Takoradi.

Organised by online news portal, 233 Times, this is the third year the GBU members in the Western Region have celebrated the new year in this grand style.

The organiser of the event, Nana Kwesi Coomson who is also the Editor-in-Chief of 233 Times mentioned that “we thought we were having a one-off event for them last three years but the euphoria at the maiden edition inspired us to make this an annual event. They repeatedly mentioned that this is the best time of their lives so we had no choice than to repeat this yearly.”

Revealing the impact of the yearly party thus far, Mr Coomson said that “The party is not only to eat, drink and dance but all the females have their hair styled and all of them receive manicure and pedicure treatments. This party has also provided the avenue for support for the GBU members since there are sessions for them to air their plights. Many of them have received aid from those who are present and some have also had support to start their own businesses.”

Mr. Coomson further charged the GBU members to make positive impacts and not limit their dreams to their disability.

“The Biblical story of Bartimaeus teaches us a lot; don’t let your disability be prefixed with your name, so we charge you to make impact that you would be known for and not your disability. Like Bartimaeus shouted to court the attention of Jesus, let your impacts court the attention of the world and I can assure that there would be help coming from all over, if you make a move.”

In his address, President of the Ghana Blind Union, Western Region, Mr. James Osei expressed his gratitude to the organisers for having them in mind for the last three years and putting joy in their hearts.

“We thank the organisers for their thoughtfulness and putting joy in our hearts. Like we heard, we are to make an impact in our individual lives. Our disability is not a form of inability. So we are charged to make positive impacts in our lives. Next year, we assure the organisers of positive impacts,” Mr. Osei said.

The new year party was organised in collaboration with Westline Entertainment and support from Anaji Choicemart, Virtuous Boardroom, Corpnation Foundation, Wenette Hope Foundation, OBPR, Deo Gratis, Nananom Catering, Aseda Foundation, and a host of individual donors in and out of Ghana.