Visually impaired must register to vote

Mr Lawrence Ameyaw Anshong, Chairman of Agona West Municipal Branch of Federation of the Disabled Association, has encouraged the visually impaired to participate in the biometric voters registration exercise.

He said the acquisition of the voters’ Identification Cards (ID) would not only permit them to exercise their franchise but the ID cards could also be used to transact other businesses.

Mr Anshong said this when 50 members of the association were presented with GHC200 each from their two percent share of the District Assembly Common Fund.

“It would be regrettable that members would stay away from the exercise simply because of their disability,” he said.

The exercise has been scheduled for March.

Mr Anshong also made strong appeal to the Electoral Commission (EC) to provide ballot paper in Braille to enable the blind to cast their votes.

He said that would help them to identify names of the candidates and their party symbols on the day of voting.

The Chairman advised the recipients not to misuse the money given them but invest them in profitable ventures to improve their living conditions.

Mr Emmanuel Kweku Tetteh, Agona West Municipal Chief Executive, (MCE) said the opening of special account for the two per cent of the Common Fund was ample evidence that government had good plans for persons with disabilities.

He said the Assembly was doing everything possible to ensure that the policy of accessibility in public structures for the physically challenged was complied with to enhance their safety and comfort.

Ms Monica Siaw, Agona West Municipal Officer of Department of Social Welfare, cautioned members of the Association that it is an offence to beg for alms.

She said henceforth the Department of Social welfare and Municipal Assembly would collaborate to arrest People with Disability seen begging on the streets.

Ms Monica Crentsil, a Member of Social Services Sub-Committee of the Assembly, said the first payment from the fund had been made to over 50 members.