Disabled man refused entry to parliament 'because he can't rise to show respect to Speaker'

A person with disability was denied access into the chamber of parliament on Friday, 30 November 2018 because, according to the security, he cannot stand on his feet as a sign of respect when the Speaker walks in.

It is a tradition for parliamentarians and all guests in the house to rise when the Speaker walks into the chamber to begin proceedings.

Mr Alex Tetteh, President of the Centre for Persons Living with Disability, said despite several pleas, he was prevented by the security personnel from entering the chamber.

The security, he said, argued that he could not rise to his feet when the Speaker walks in. He was asked to rather sit at the area for guests and watch the proceedings on television.

Mr Tetteh had joined members of the Media Coalition on the Right to Information to observe the consideration proceedings of the RTI Bill.

“I was sad. I cannot understand why I cannot enter because I’m a person with a disability”, Mr Tetteh told Class News’ parliamentary correspondent Ekow Annan, adding: “I did not cause my disability, it is no fault of mine and why should I be denied a right or access because I’m a person with disability”