Local Government Network (LOGNet) in collaboration with UNDP has built the capacity of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Upper East Region to demand accountability from the district level officials.
LOGNet is a network of civil society organizations (CSOs) and non-governmental organisations working to promote local governance in Ghana and to advocate the implementation of the United Nation’s Convention on the rights of PWDs.
The 35 participants drawn from Bolgatanga Municipality, Bongo, Talensi, Nabdam, Bawku West and the Kassena–Nankana Districts were taken through topics such as Planning, Budgeting and the Conventions on the Rights of PWDs among others.
Speaking at the function in Bolgatanga at the weekend, the National Coordinator of LOGNet, Mr Saaka Sayuti explained that the two- year project, which is being implemented by his outfit in partnership with the UNDP, would cover the Volta and Brong -Ahafo Regions.
He said the expectation of the project is for the PWDs to be empowered to engage public officials at the local levels to demand accountability from them as well as equipped them with the knowledge of the UN Conventions on the Rights of PWDs
The National Coordinator indicated that the project would also conduct research on the state of the implementation of the UN Conventions on the Rights of PWDs, share the findings at Regional Stakeholders forum and advocate the implementation of the findings.
Mr Sumaila Abudul-Rahaman, Chairperson of the Steering Committee of LOGNet, asked the PWDs not to underestimate their great potentials, since they are powerful to reckon with.
He asked them to stay united and committed to fight for their common course such the challenges they go through in accessing the Disability Common Fund.
Mr Asokwa Sarpong, a Principal Planning Officer of the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council, who took the participants through planning, budgeting, district assembly performance review, district profile, tools for demanding for accountability encouraged the PWDs to participate actively in the decision making processes of the assembles.
The Northern Patriot in Research and Advocacy (NORPRA), a CSO facilitated the organisation of forum.
The President of NORPRA, Mr Bismark Adongo Ayorogo entreated the participants to put into action what they have acquired from the training to help improve upon their well-being.
