Blind people to seek redress in law courts if..

Accra, August 21, GNA- The Ghana Blind Students and Youth Association on Thursday cautioned that it would take institutions that are by law, required to seek their welfare but refuse to do so, to court.

" In view of the abuse of our human rights the youth wing has resolved to use all the legitimate and democratic means to protect and safeguard our rights as citizens of Ghana.''

The National President of the youth wing, Mr J.B.Mensah who said this at the national congress of the association in Accra, said although dialogue is the first weapon to be used in addressing their grievances, peaceful demonstrations would be their final tool to seek redress.

" Come next year 2004 we are going to strongly fight for and protest against abuse of our fundamental human rights and this should serve as a source of caution."

The congress has the theme: "guaranteeing and safeguarding the fundamental human and economic rights of the blind and partially sighted persons in Ghana; the perspective of government and the role of the youth and students wing of GAB".

The three-day congress would be attended by more than forty participants from all the regions. They will elect news executive officers and deliberate on a US Dollar 33,000.00 pilot project.

Mr Mensah said apart from the right to life, which nobody can take away from them, they have been deprived of other rights such as education, freedom of movement, legal rights, political rights, and right to employment.

He said open gutters are found all over in the cities thereby making movement very difficult for them, adding that the white cane cannot be used with ease due to the rough nature of the environment as well as negligence on the part of drivers and other road users. The Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Papa Owusu Ankomah, said in a speech read for him said that the blind or physically disabled, should not in any way obstruct one from obtaining justice and from enjoying his or rights and assured the blind that government would do all its best to protect their rights.

Mr George Isaac Amoo, Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West promised the association of an office facility to save them from ejection from their present office in Kumasi.

He said the bills on disability and labour were before parliament and would soon be made laws