Connect with us

Editorial

Promote social inclusion for People with Disabilities

 It is regrettable that in this mod­ern age and advancement, some segments of society still adhere to unhealthy cultural and traditional practices that have a detrimental impact on People Wth Disabilities (PWDs).

It is time society adopted a more accepting stance toward PWDs.

PWDs, including the blind, the deaf, and albinos, face discrimina­tion on a daily basis in the work­place, like the health and educa­tion sectors, and other settings due to unfavourable cultural norms that really cause them pain and make life intolerable for them.

Mothers of children with dis­abilities experience anxiety and discomfort since many people think that PWDs should not be living. Even so, is it someone’s fault if they are disabled?

Advertisement

While individuals without dis­abilities are entitled to the funda­mental freedoms and human rights as citizens as outlined in the 1992 Constitution, it appears that those with disabilities face discrimination on all fronts.

People who are albinos face even more challenging situation be­cause some people in the commu­nity feel that they are taboo, and should not be allowed to live.

“I suffer the same, therefore I know it’s true. People do not want us to be close to them for any reason, and we are treated as second-class citizens,” Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, national president of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFDOs), told our correspondent.

“In some communities, it is believed that when you are going out in the morning for any activity and you meet a person or somebody with a visual impairment, it means a misfortune is about to befall you; for which reason you must return home,” he stated.

Advertisement

How is it possible for someone in this modern world to have such a bad opinion of PWDs? Some people still believe that being disabled is a curse or a punishment for what­ever they have done wrong and that hanging around with them will bring the same fate or punishment.

In actuality, it is critical for society to know that although some people are born deformed, others acquire disabilities as a result of environmental mishaps or certain medical disorders, such as glau­coma, measles, or cataracts that cause blindness, deafness, or both.

The national president claims that despite their infirmities, PWDs can still make significant contribu­tions to the development of this nation if given the chance, and that efforts to educate people to stop these regrettable activities have been ineffective.

The Spectator expresses con­cerns about these developments which have the potential to harm those with PWDs and impede their aspirations.

Advertisement

Therefore, we make a plea to the media, religious organisations, and other institutions to draw at­tention to the predicament of PWDs in order to shift public opinion and win over hearts.

PWDs require our respect and decency; we must put ourselves in their position.

Fostering positive attitudes towards PWDs is crucial in order to advance social inclusion.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Editorial

 Urgent need to resource GNFS

 Dear Editor,

I am writing to bring to the attention of the government on the urgent need to resource the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

The GNFS plays a critical role in ensuring the safety and secu­rity of our communities, but it is facing numerous challenges due to inadequate resources.

The GNFS lacks modern equip­ment, vehicles to effectively re­spond to fire outbreaks and other emergencies.

Advertisement

These, to a large extent affect their operations.

The service needs a state-of-the-art fire fighting equipment and vehicles for its operations.

It saddens my heart to see personnel with zeal to work but are obstructed the lack of limited resources.

Recent fires at Zongo Lane near the Rawlings Park and part of Job 600 building of Parliament House in Accra calls for an urgent need to adequately resource the Service to assist in the case of emergencies.

Advertisement

I urge the government to pri­oritise the GNFS to enable it to effectively discharge its mandate. This includes allocating sufficient funds, provide modern equipment and vehicles.

The safety and security of our communities depend on it to save human resource and the country’s economy.

Anita Nyarko-Yirenkyi

Accra

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Editorial

Speed up work on reconstruction of La General Hospital

 Dear Editor,

The La General Hospital was demolished in July 2020 to allow its reconstruction and become an ultra-modern facility.

Following the demolition, the government announced a budget of €5 million for the reconstruction. However, progress of work on the facility has been very slow, leading to frustration among the residents of La.

The community was hopeful that the new hospital would provide advanced healthcare services and improve access to quality medical care. Unfortunately, the delay in construction has left the people without a fully functional hospital for over three years.

Advertisement

The slow pace of work has caused great concern as residents now move to hospitals surrounding like the Police Hospital, 37 Military Hospital and Korle- Bu to seek medical attention even though there is a clinic in the community.

Residents of La have already organised various demonstrations to voice out their worries. They feel that the government has not lived up to its promise to deliver a modern hospital that meets the needs of the community.

The residents are worried about the impact of the delay on their health and well-being, particularly for the elderly, children, and those with chronic ailment.

I want to urge the government to make it a priority to complete hospital reconstruction this year to show its commitment to providing the community with a safe and fully equipped facility.

Advertisement

Elizabeth Agyeibea Ackon,

Accra

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending