DISABLED FOR PARLIAMENT

Accra (Greater Accra) 4 Dec. '97 Members of parliament today rallied to the support of the disabled in society calling for more attention and recognition for them. They also urged non-governmental organisations (NGOS) and lotteries to complement the work of the government in rehabilitating these unfortunate class of citizens. Members were contributing to a commemorative statement on international day of the disabled which fell today. The statement was made by Mr.. Fuzzy Torbay, chairman of the committee on state enterprises, employment and social welfare. Mr.. Kojo Armah, PCP-Evalue/Gwira, spoke about the increasing number of disabled persons on the streets begging for alms, saying they should be helped to integrate into the society. Mr.. Evans Ahorsey, NDC-AYENSUANU, said the government should ensure that the one per cent employment level for the disabled in an institutions are complied with.

Accra (Greater Accra) 4 Dec. '97 Members of parliament today rallied to the support of the disabled in society calling for more attention and recognition for them. They also urged non-governmental organisations (NGOS) and lotteries to complement the work of the government in rehabilitating these unfortunate class of citizens. Members were contributing to a commemorative statement on international day of the disabled which fell today. The statement was made by Mr.. Fuzzy Torbay, chairman of the committee on state enterprises, employment and social welfare. Mr.. Kojo Armah, PCP-Evalue/Gwira, spoke about the increasing number of disabled persons on the streets begging for alms, saying they should be helped to integrate into the society. Mr.. Evans Ahorsey, NDC-AYENSUANU, said the government should ensure that the one per cent employment level for the disabled in an institutions are complied with. Dr.. Kofi Konadu Apraku, minority spokesman on the economy, said the Ghanaian perception of the disabled is very sad saying every nation is judged by the way it treats its disabled persons. He called for access to these category of citizenry in all public buildings, saying it is not a luxury to provide elevators for those in wheel-chairs. Dr.. Alex Ababio, NDC-South Dayi, said two years ago the same statement was made in the house. He said one would have thought that this year, the minister in charge of the sector will come before the house and make a statement on the number of disabled, levels of their disability and opportunities available to them in the educational sector and job market. Mrs. Grace Coleman, NPP-Effiduase Asokore, spoke about the on-going handicraft fair, saying no disabled person has exhibited at the fair. She said such disabled persons who are mostly trained to acquire skills should be encouraged to exhibit their wares for the public to know what they can do and patronise them. Mr. Justice D.F. Annan, speaker extended his felicitations to the disabled on the day. gri