Akufo-Addo's Trains: Persons with Disability (PWDs) Get Easy Ride

The current NPP government has recently added 97-kilometer standard gauge railway line from Tema to Mpakadan for the newly acquired trains from Poland. The two new commuter trains which arrived in Ghana in March ending were imported to make travelling easy for passengers from the port of Tema to the northern parts of the country and the Volta region. These modern trains also have added features to make travelling easy for persons with disability (PWDs).

These modern trains are equipped with free WIFI, entertainment systems installed at each seatback, washroom facilities for quality of time for commuters. Besides good travelling experience for the public, dedicated space or compartment for prams and wheelchairs make these trains a practical option for all Ghanaians who might face challenges, especially persons with disabilities. The seating arrangement, door panels and several disability features including easy accessibility have all been provided. This is a good sign for an all-inclusive Ghana, where no one is left behind.

All the twelve Polish made trains can accommodate standard-sized wheelchairs per the contract between the Ghana government and the Pese Train Manufacturing Company in Poland. There are coaches that are dedicated to carry wheelchairs and baby prams to make smooth accessibility for all. There may be limited number of spaces available for wheelchair users on each train, but persons with disability can always wait for the next train and the passenger assist team could help the PWDs find the right options for journey at the station or at the stop.

All the renovated train stations in Ghana today have been modernized to the extent that they are fully accessible for PWDs. The architectural design considered the fact that passengers who live with sight loss likely face a higher risk at train stations than the general public so added accessibility facilities has been provided at the stations and on the coaches. This is indeed an inclusive Ghana and persons with disability matter.

Statistics from the UK for example revealed that almost 20% of the blind and partially sighted people missed important meetings, about 15% were late to see family and friends, and some 10% had been left stranded on a platform after missing their train due to accessibility issues they faced. This has been experienced for train commuters with disabilities world over.

Commuting by train can be challenging for the blind or visually impaired people, and in fact, for persons with disabilities in general. Learning from experience elsewhere, the Ghana government anticipated the challenges a section of Ghanaians who live with disabilities may face. That is why the Railway Development Authority have put together several important accessibility features and services which can help make the train trip easier, more affordable, and more enjoyable for all.

Indeed, the government needs commendation for its agenda to build an all-inclusive Ghana for all and putting persons with disabilities at the center of the rail development. The NPP government under former president Kufour created the Women and Children Affairs Ministry, when he felt a section of Ghanaians were left behind in his all-inclusive Ghana agenda. The current NPP government under President Akufo-Addo has created a special employment vehicle (NABCO) for the youth, and the Zongo Development Fund after he assumed power in 2017. It was felt a section of the population needed special attention, and now has included persons with disabilities fully in the nation’s railway development in his all-inclusive Ghana agenda.

It is therefore not surprising that the current Vice President of the NPP government, Bawumia and his wife Samira have celebrated their birthdays with lepers and have made an unprecedented bold step in appointing a 2024 campaign coordinator for persons with disabilities. The immediate past Oti Regional Minister, Dr. Joseph Makubu, a person with disability, is doing a massive philanthropic work among persons with disabilities during the 2024 campaign season through political charities like the Diaspora Patriotic Forum. With his special love for persons with disabilities and determination to give them a place in his all-inclusive Ghana agenda, it would not be surprising if Dr. Mahamudu established a ministry or department for persons with disabilities when he becomes the president of Ghana like his predecessors did for women, children, the youth and the Zongos.

Eben Johnson - Finland
(Letters Without Signatures)