We’ve been left out in election petition - Persons with disability

The Ghana Federation of the Disabled is livid because a section of its members have been kept in the dark in the ongoing election petition hearing at the Supreme Court.

According to the president of the federation, Mr Yaw Ofori-Debrah, members have been left out on a number of national events that they ought to be a part.

The hearing of the election petition filed by three leading members of the New Patriotic Party, is being broadcast live on the national television – GTV - as well as radio, but no provisions were made for persons with hearing impairment, Mr Ofori-Debrah told Joy News on Wednesday.

He is therefore making a strong case for sign interpreters of the hearing, at least on TV.

He was of the view that persons with disability have a right to information, and for that matter, issues of national interest.

He argued that those without the ability to hear the processes in court also voted in the December 2012 elections, which means their votes, with respect to the court case would either be “counted or not counted” depending on the final ruling.

The president of the federation is therefore suggesting that persons with disability should have “equal right” like any other citizen in order to follow the processes.