Friday, June 27, 2008

Ghana disability law delayed

From Joy 99.7 FM radio:


The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) says the implementation of disability law is being delayed because the National Council on People with Disabilities to spearhead it is yet to be set up.

Under the disability law passed two years ago the council must be set up to give direction for the implementation of the law.

The law grants rights to education and employment to people living with disabilities in order to improve the livelihoods.

Speaking to Joy News on the occasion of the national day of the disabled, the federation said the delay is hindering the implementation of the law facilitate the process for people living with disabilities to benefit from the law.

One of the federation’s board members, Mr. Lance Akoamuah, said the situation was worrying.

“We have no communication on the formation and working of the council,” he stated. According to him, “if we really want to see the benefits of the Act," the council must be set up without delay.

A member of the federation, Doris Ofori, stressed the need for the Ghanaian to change its attitude towards people living with disability.

She expressed regret the attitude of some people had led to some disabled persons committing suicide.

“We need encouragement from you not sympathy,” she noted.