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Politics of Thursday, 7 February 2013

Source: Peacefmonline

Ogbamey lauds Mahama on appointing Dr. Dannaa

Managing Editor of the defunct Gye Nyame Concord newspaper and political analyst, Alfred Ogbamey has congratulated President John Dramani Mahama for designating Dr. Henry Seidu Dannaa to head the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs.

He commended President Mahama for his choice saying it is an indication of the President’s commitment to ensuring equity among the abled and disabled citizenry.

According to him, this step will help minimize the prejudice against people with disabilities in the country.

Making a contribution on Peace FM’s “kokrokoo” programme Thursday, Alfred Ogbamey praised government for not sidelining the disabled in society and hoped this was a welcoming move to usher in a new era of tolerance.

President John Mahama mentioned Dr. Dannaa in the list of Ministers in his government but some chiefs have raised concerns about the legitimacy of the visually impaired Minister-designate.

According to the chiefs, custom prohibits them from associating with disabled persons and therefore the appointment of Dr. Dannaa to head the Chieftaincy Ministry will compromise their tradition.

The Chiefs are agitating for the replacement of the visually impaired lawyer and former Registrar of the House of Chiefs.

But Alfred Ogbamey though admitting Dr. Dannaa’s ministerial appointment was a “shock” to him registered his displeasure with the position of the Chiefs.

He believed the President’s appointment criterion was based on Dr. Dannaa’s expertise in the field and so, he is qualified to head the Ministry.

He added the move will motivate other disabled persons to aspire for high positions in the country, something to him will help minimize the discriminatory practices meted out to them.