Some of the participants at the event with President John Kufuor
The Executive Director of Youth and Disability (RYD) International, Dr. James Kwabena Bomfeh Jnr. has observed that contrary to widespread misconceptions, "disability is not a taboo, but a competitive disadvantage for leadership in Ghana, particularly, among the Asantes and Gonja."
Dr. Bomfeh made this revelation at the launch of "Disability Conversations," an initiative of RYD International and the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation in Accra on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the Naa Dedei Conference Hall of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, Accra.
The theme for the maiden conversation was Acceptance, Inclusion and Integration of Disability as a Difference in Diversity. It is expected that this would be an annual ritual where a conversation on a selected area of disability inclusion in Ghana will be held.
According to organisers of the Conversation, its purpose is to place disability at the centre of national dialogue and to create a public interest media advocacy around the subject. "It aims to demystify disability and place it rightfully as human condition."
The programme drew a cross-section of trailblazer persons with disability who have made it into public life and achieved success in their individual rights. Dr. Henry Seidu Daannaa, Esq., first to be called to the bar and become Minister of State, Mr. Ivor Kobina Greenstreet, Esq., first attempted President of Ghana, Ms. Evelyn Appiah, Esq., first woman to be called to the bar in Ghana and West Africa, Mr. Kwasi Subi, first Educationist/Tutor at Wesley Teacher Education College, and Dr. Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboah, first international Paralympic Cyclist, were the participant-discussants who were engaged by Ms. Emefa Apawu of Multimedia fame.
The chairman for the event was former national security minister, Honourable Francis Poku. The Special Guest of Honour was former President John Agyekum Kufuor and the keynote speaker was Justice Gabriel Scott Pwamang, JSC. Honourable Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister for Works and Housing and former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, former IGP David Asante Apeatu and former Presidential Communication Director, Koku Anyidoho were among the dignitaries.
Kabila, as Dr. Bomfeh is popularly called, cited the 3rd Asantehene, Otumfuo Kusi Obuoadum who reigned between 1750 and 1764 to have been blind, which, trajectory led the Asante Federation to manufacture the heralding words that accompany chiefs today and aid him to shake hands with guests as well as subjects.
