NGO calls for support for persons with disability

Inclusion Ghana, a non-governmental organisation (NGO), has expressed worry over what it terms  'governmental neglect' and lack of support for persons with intellectual disability.

Speaking at a forum, on the theme, 'Learning Disability Campaign' in Accra, the National Co-ordinator of Inclusion Ghana, Mr Auberon Jeleel Odoom, said the lack of equal opportunities and inclusion for all persons with intellectual disability continued to affect the well-being of the people.

Organised by the Support and Home Group, a non-governmental organisation, the forum brought together civil society organisations and the media.

Mr Odoom said children with disabilities in the country continued to face health and educational problems  and that although the Disability Act states that persons with disabilities should be allowed to enjoy certain privileges and government support, there were no measures  to check whether such benefits were offered.

In order to reduce stigmatisation and ensure the full inclusion of persons with intellectual disabilities and their families, he said stakeholders must intensify their efforts by advocating  the rights of the children with disability.

For her part, the founder of the Support and Home Group, Mrs Tina Asare Boadu, said the purpose of the forum was to bring stakeholders together to address issues affecting children with intellectual disability.

According to her, until the problems affecting the well-being of the children with intellectual disability were prioritised, it would be difficult for such children to enjoy life like any other person.

Mrs Boadu called on stakeholders to intensify their education and advocate the rights of persons with intellectual disability.

By Dominic Moses Awiah/Daily Graphic/Ghana