Federation of the Disabled to act against disabled beggars

Ho, Oct. 14, GNA-The Ghana Federation of the Disabled is to take measures to rid the streets of disabled beggars.

Mr Nicholas Halm, National Secretary of the Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB) gave the hint at the second Biennial Regional Convention of its Volta Region branch in Ho. The Federation comprised the Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB), the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled, Ghana National Association of the Deaf and Parents Association of Children with Intellectual Disability.

Mr Halm said the initiative was to demonstrate the Federation's indignation towards the practice and public concern. He observed that some of the disabled beggars have the skills, but have failed to apply them to productive use because begging has become a lucrative, easier and a quicker means of making a living. There were also those disabled beggars who are victims of exploitation by some family members.

He said there were also those who begged because of poverty, which required social support to overcome.

Mr Halm said the Federation would seek to have the law against begging enforced, especially in the case of those who have the capacity to stay off begging as a source of living. He announced that the Federation would decentralize its presence to the regions and districts to further strengthen collective action at those levels to the benefit of its members.

Mr Halm stressed the need for all disabled persons to act with greater unity at all levels instead of through loose alliances. He commended the Volta Region branch of GAB for coming tops of advocacy ability to raise funds, which has attracted international attention leading to the establishment and operation of a well-equipped regional office.

Captain George Nfodjo (rtd), Member of Parliament for Ho Central assured the disabled that they have the goodwill of government and Parliament as demonstrated in the passage of the Disability Act and the allocation of two percent of the District Assemblies Fund to cater for their needs.

He urged the disabled to seize the opportunity provided by the law to protect their rights in society. Captain Nfodjo said their disabilities were made up for, by sharper mental faculties and talents that the seemingly able people do not have. Mr Fidelis Attoh, acting Volta Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, who presided said, " we are all stakeholders in the affairs and welfare of the disabled". He said the Disability Law and its enforcement underlined that collective responsibility. 14 Oct. 07