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Disability is not inability- Adwinsa Children’s Show breaks barriers to promote inclusiveness
Some of the dignitaries and children reading a book at the programme Photo Victor A. Buxton
In an effort to combat stigmatisation against individuals with disabilities, Adwinsa Publications has unveiled the Adwinsa Children’s Show, a ground-breaking initiative to integrate children with disabilities into all aspects of life.
This will dispel misconceptions and create an environment where children with disabilities will be embraced everywhere.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Adwinsa, Mr. Kwaku Oppong-Amponsah, emphasised the paramount objective of the Adwinsa Children’s Show.
“We envision a world where children with disability will not be excluded from our creative endeavours, particularly in the realm of literature and societal development,” he remarked.
Mr. Amponsah fervently spoke against the marginalisation of persons with disabilities (PWDs), and reminded guests that “disability is not inability.”
The CEO of the National Council of PWD, Lawyer Esther Gyamfi, lauded the initiators of Adwinsa Children’s Show, and described it as a monumental stride towards inclusion within the publishing industry. She commended Adwinsa Publications for its dedication to learners with disabilities.
Head of the Guidance and Counselling Unit at the Ghana Education Service (GES), Mrs. Gifty Sekyi-Bremansu emphasised the multifaceted contributions that individuals with disabilities brought to society. She explained that the term “disability” encompasses more than mere physical or mental limitations; it encapsulates a person’s unique abilities and potential to contribute meaningfully to society.
Mrs. Sekyi-Bremansu noted that disability could occur through various life circumstances, and mentioned that some individuals were not born disabled but encountered unfortunate events that altered their physical capabilities. She urged the public to treat everyone equitably, irrespective of the person’s physical appearances.
The ‘Adwinsa Children’s Show’ stands as a powerful testament to the transformative impact of inclusiveness and understanding. With the rallying cry that “disability is not inability,” Adwinsa Publications has ignited a movement that aims to reshape societal attitudes and pave the way for a more integrated and harmonious future for all.
By George Obeng Osei
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
