Don't disregard interest of the disabled

Ho, Jan 28, GNA- Mr Benard Quarshie, Director of Finance for Local Government Services has lamented the continuing disregard and disinterests of the disabled by society, though there was a law to safeguard their welfare.

He said it was unfortunate that even people thought to be enlightened and occupying important positions were sometimes the barriers between the disabled and their legitimate rights. Mr Quarshie who is a physically challenged was contributing to discussions at the Volta Regional People's Assembly in Ho. He said it was disheartening that public buildings were still being put up without access for wheel chair users.

Mr Quarshie said it was frustrating for people in wheel chairs to finds access onto pavements on even newly constructed roads. He wondered whether there was any law barring physically challenged from entering politics since even Parliament House did not have adequate infrastructure input for them.

Mr Quarshie also mentioned telephone booths, where the handles were often above the reach of cripples and counters at banks, which were high up, "disabling the disabled from doing business there". He expressed the hope that the story of the disabled would not be the same when Ghana chalks 100 years, but that of total integration of the disabled to enable them contribute their quota to society.