Persons living with disabilities (PWDs) are outraged by recent comments made by NDC communicator Dela Edem against former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
The group has demanded that NDC’s flagbearer, John Mahama, publicly acknowledge the issue and issue an apology, or they will not support him in the upcoming elections.
In a viral video, Mr. Edem was seen making disrespectful remarks about Mr. Kufuor, prompting swift backlash from the party and the disability community.
The Ghana Society of Physical Disable in the Ashanti Region, led by National Financial Secretary Clifford Owusu Ansah, strongly condemned the comments, calling them unacceptable.
Mr. Ansah noted that disability is not a crime and that individuals with disabilities should be treated with respect.
He pointed out Kufuor’s past contributions, including introducing the disability act and the National Health Insurance Scheme among others, to support PWDs and citizens as very significant accomplishments.
He criticized the comments made against Kufuor, noting that the former President’s current health condition should not be disparaged, as it is a result of illness.
He urged Mahama to address the issue personally, warning that failure to do so would lead to PWDs voting against the NDC.
Hannah Owusu Dwomoh, another member of the group, expressed concern over the stigmatization faced by PWDs in Ghana.
She cited instances of discrimination, such as being denied entry onto public transport particularly Trotros due to her wheelchair.
Mrs. Dwomoh stressed the importance of respecting individuals with disabilities, noting that disability can affect anyone and should not be used as a basis for derogatory remarks.
The group called for accountability and respect towards PWDs in the public discourse.
Credit Orange 107,9 FM.
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