Regional News of Monday, 29 September 2008

Source: GNA

Society of Physically Disabled wants to be represented at the assemblies

Dompoase (Ash), Sept 29, GNA - The Ghana Society of Physically Disabled has advocated for the enactment of a law that would give the physically challenged one quarter of the seats in Metropolitan, Municipal and District assemblies.

The Society said this was necessary to help them to participate effectively in decision-making whiles also championing the cause for their own progress.

Mr Osei Bonsu, chairman of the Adansi North District branch of the Society, made the appeal at a day's HIV/AIDS sensitization programme for the disabled at Dompoase near Fomena organised by the Ghana AIDS Commission.

Mr Bonsu said he was not happy about the misconception majority of Ghanaians have about the disabled and said this was as a result of their continuous neglect and marginalization at all levels of the society.

He said in spite of these challenges, disabled persons should not lose hope but strive to take advantage of the opportunities made available by government, non-governmental organizations, corporate bodies and philanthropists to learn trades.