‘Let’s leave no one behind’ — Kufuor advocates for inclusion of persons with disabilities

Former President of the Republic John Agyekum Kufuor has called for greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in Ghanaian society.

He was speaking at the inaugural Disability Conversation hosted by the John Agyekum Kufuor Foundation in Accra.

Reflecting on his own experiences with disability, President Kufuor said "Look at me today. If someone had said ten years ago that I would be in a wheelchair today, perhaps, he would have been disputed and damned as a false prophet, but this prophecy is the reality today, I’m in a wheelchair and I cannot walk, and I need about four, five six hefty men to be pushing me around like a baby."

The former head of state emphasized that disability can affect anyone at any point in their lives so “We cannot afford to leave any segment of our society behind.”

Kufuor urged Ghanaians to embrace diversity and ensure persons with disabilities can fully participate in community life.

“We must appreciate our differences and our individual challenges, and work towards integrating everyone as an integral part of the human race," he noted.

The Disability Conversation, organized by the Kufuor Foundation, aimed to raise awareness about disability issues and promote a more inclusive society.

Participants discussed challenges faced by persons with disabilities and ways to improve access to healthcare, education, employment and civic participation.