Disabled persons call for employment policy

The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) has appealed to the Government to institute an employment policy to facilitate the employment of disabled graduates.

According to the federation, disabled persons dominate the teeming number of unemployed graduates in the country due to unequal employment opportunity despite the skills, talents and knowledge they acquire.

Mr Yaw Ofori Debra, National President of GFD made the appeal on Wednesday at this year’s National Celebration of the International Day of the Disabled in Cape Coast on the theme: “Making Ghana Accessible for Persons with Disability, A Concern for All.”

The day celebrated worldwide since 1992 is geared towards promoting the understanding of disability issues, mobilising support for the dignity, rights and wellbeing of Persons With Disability (PWDs).

It is also aims at increasing the awareness of the benefit to be derived from the integration of PWDs in every aspect of economic political and cultural life.

Mr Debra stated that disability is a developmental issue called on the Government and various stakeholders to factor it into its development planning and implementation programmes.

He expressed the need for the construction of disabled-friendly buildings to enable PWDs to have access to goods and services.

He called on the National Disaster Management Organisation to give PWDs priority in Disaster and Risk Reduction Management.

He appealed for information and communication materials on diseases such as Ebola to be made easily accessible and understandable to the PWDs and the creation of software to help them catch up with current trends in technology.

Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender Children and Social Protection, in a speech read on her behalf urged the association to invest the two per cent quota of its share of the District Assemblies Common Fund given then under the disability fund.

She said her sector ministry is in the process of reviewing the Disability Act to ensure that public buildings are put up with disabled-friendly features.

She expressed the need for disabled persons to desist from begging especially in public transport and public places but rather seek help from their various organisations which receive funding from Government and donors.

Mr Aquinas Tawiah Quansah, Central Regional Minister, in a speech read on his behalf re-echoed Government’s commitment in promoting their welfare of PWDs.

He and the Deputy Regional Minister; Ms Queenstar Pokuaa Sawyerr donated GH? 2, 000.00 to the federation.

The Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, Mr Jonathan Gyau advocated the integration of sign language lessons into the curriculum of basic schools in the country so that PWDS could communicate with their friends who have hearing impediment.

He said this would make communication at hospitals and other public places easier.

The celebration was preceded by a three- hour walk through some principal streets of Cape Coast with members carrying placards, some of which read “Don’t call me by my disability”, “Provide Accessible Information to the deaf”, “Reserve seats on public vehicles for PWDs”.