Disabled threaten to boycott December 7 elections

Members of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled have threatened not to participate in the December 7 general elections, if the National Disability Policy is not promulgated by that time.

They contend that the policy is long overdue and excuses are given all the time. The association said it will petition government next week and, if nothing positive follows, members will advise themselves.

Mr. Francis Kwame Boison, President of the association, announced this at a news conference held by the Ghana National Association of the Deaf in Accra yesterday

. It formed part of activities marking the international Week of the Deaf. When passed into Law, the policy will promote the rights and welfare of the disables in the society.

Mr. Boison said disabled persons are faced with problems like unemployment, access to quality education and effective communication, among others.

"Many disabled people have found their way into the streets because although they have skills, no employer is willing to employ them," he said.

He cited the example of Japan as a country, which grants tax, rebates to companies which employ the disabled and suggested to the government to come out with a policy that will make all employers to sign on some disabled persons.

Mr. Alex Oppong Mills, a Lecturer at the University College of Education, Winneba, who also spoke at the conference, appealed to the government to include the study of the sign language in the curricula of all schools for the deaf.

He said although sign language is the accepted language for the deaf, it is not taught as a subject in the schools and because of this, some subject in the schools and because of this, some teachers cannot communicate effectively with their pupils and students.

Mr. Mills also called on the government to provide facilities in tertiary educational institutions to enable people with disabilities to avail themselves of tertiary education.

At present, according to Mr. Mills, the highest educational level that most disabled persons can attain is either secondary education or vocational training.

The National President of the association, Mr. Paul Barfi, said over the years, the public has continually discriminated against and shown a negative attitude towards the disabled. He said given the chance the disabled can demonstrate their competence and productivity and called on the public to desist from attributing negative things to the disabled.

Activities lined up for the celebration includes a football match, church service, excursions and a clean-up exercise.