Let's harness potentials of People With Disabilities - NCCE director

Bawku (U/E), May 20, GNA - The Bawku East Municipal Director of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), Mr Roland Azumah, on Tuesday stressed the need to harness the talents and potentials of People With Disabilities (PWDs) for the socio-economic development of the society.

He said by giving PWDs due recognition, they would be in a good position to take part in decision-making that affect their well-being. Mr Azumah made the call at a forum for PWDs at Bawku on Tuesday as part of activities marking the Constitution Week of the NCCE. He said everyone had a role to play to uplift mankind from a depressed state, and as such, no one should be discriminated against. Mr Azumah urged PWDs to desist from accepting their status as inferiors and rather strive with all their talents to improve their living conditions.

The Municipal Director of Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), Mr Mohammed Tiamyu, expressed concern about the lack of consideration for the plight of PWDs when public structures are being constructed.

He called on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to, as a matter of urgency, alleviate the sufferings of PWDs by opening their doors when they call at their offices for assistance. The Regional Director of NCCE, Mr Suleman Hussein Haruna, expressed worry about Parliament's inability to pass the Disability Law, which had been put before it for sometime now.

"This shows government's insensitivity to the plight of PWDs," he held and urged the authorities to act urgently.

The Municipal Chief Executive of Bawku, Mr Abdul-Rahman Gumah, called for tolerance during this year's election to sustain peace and unity for the development of the area. 20 May 04