International day of disabled celebrated

Obuasi, Dec 20, GNA- The Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled has expressed worry that some members were on the streets begging for alms. It said the situation was creating a bad image for the group that was seeking decent employment for members. Mr Karim Iddrisu, Chairman of the Obuasi Municipal branch of the Society who made the observation, appealed to the public not to patronize the activities of the beggars and instead donate towards the rehabilitation of the physically challenged.

He was speaking at the Ashanti Regional celebration of the International Day of the Disabled that was under the theme "Decent Employment for All-The Prospects of the Disabled in Ghana," at Obuasi. Mr Francis Amedor, Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Society, criticized the District Assemblies for not using the five per cent of the Assembly Common Fund for the rehabilitation of the disabled as enjoined by law governing the use of the fund. He urged government to find out what the assemblies used those monies for.

Mr Amedor appealed to estate developers and other building contractors to always consider the welfare of the disabled in their building plans.

Mr A.K. Abdurahman, the Adansi North District Social Welfare Officer, advised the members to monitor government projects in their localities to ensure that contractors considered them in their plans. He advised disabled parents to take advantage of the Capitation Grant and the School Feeding Programme and send their children to school.

Mr Thomas Owusu-Antwi, the Amansie Central District Social Welfare Officer, advised the disabled to register with the National Health Insurance Scheme to enable them enjoy free medical care.