Parliament probes PwD imbroglio

Parliament has said it will conduct investigations into the circumstances that led to a person with disability being denied access into the chamber on Friday, 30 November 2018 because, according to the security, he could not stand on his feet as a sign of respect when the Speaker walks in.

Mr Alex Tetteh, President of the Centre for Persons Living with Disability, who was denied entry into the House said despite several pleas, he was prevented by the security personnel from entering the chamber.

The security, he said, argued that he could not rise to his feet when the Speaker walks in. He was asked to rather sit at the area for guests and watch the proceedings on television.

“I was sad. I cannot understand why I cannot enter because I’m a person with a disability”, Mr Tetteh told Class News’ parliamentary correspondent Ekow Annan, adding:

“I did not cause my disability, it is no fault of mine and why should I be denied a right or access because I’m a person with a disability”.

But a statement signed by Kate Addo, Public Relations Officer of Parliament on Monday, 3 December, said:

“Parliament’s attention has been drawn to an alleged incident which occurred on the premises of the House on Friday, 30th November 2018 during which a person with physical disability is said to have been denied access to the gallery for reasons which are contrary to the institution’s ideals of bringing parliament closer to the people."

“Parliament will like to place on record that parliament regards people with disability as a critical public and a strategic partner and would like to indicate that if there was an instance where any person with a physical challenge was discriminated against, then it as most unfortunate."

“Order 86 (1) stipulates that: ‘Members desiring to address the House are obliged to rise and address the chair in due deference to and in acknowledgment of the authority vested in the speaker."

"However, Order 86(2) stipulates that by the special indulgence of Mr. Speaker a member unable conveniently to stand by reason of sickness or infirmity may be permitted to speak sitting."

“Parliament hold holds the view that members can enjoy this dispensation, so must the rest of the citizenry who the house ultimately represents and would like to inform the general citizenry that it holds the right of each and every Ghanaian in the highest regard and will not superintend any activity to jeopardize these rights. Parliament is conducting further investigations into the matter to ensure a proper resolution of same.”