Some persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the Oforikrom Municipality of the Ashanti Region have spoken about their experiences of rejection from family, friends and the larger society, a situation that often times leave them depressed.
For most PWDs, they largely make meaning out of their lives through the humanitarian efforts of benevolent groups and individuals.
The PWDs shared their stories when Claudia Kwarteng Lumor, a United Nations Population Fund Goodwill Ambassador, engaged them and carried out a needs assessment on them.
Discrimination and rejection against persons living with disabilities in Ghana is a persistent and concerning issue that affect various aspects of their lives.
According to the 2021 population and housing census, 8% of the 30.8 million people in Ghana have a disability, which is a 5%-point increase compared to previous data.
Despite efforts to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities, individuals with disabilities face challenges daily.
Fighting against the voice of suicide, thirty-three-year-old Isaac, who has been battling a head tumour, has been forced into depression and isolation to avoid public ridicule.
“People, including children, adults and almost everybody runs from me, so I had to live alone. I feel bad stepping out. This even formed suicidal thoughts in mind,” he said.
The situation is the same for a fifty-five-year-old farmer, Kwabena Dampah who had his leg amputated in an accident. He constantly faces rejection by family members.
”My own brother reminds me of my state every time; and refers me to my inability to do anything,” he lamented.
Despite their conditions, they have exhibited strong resilience and expressed hope in the future.
”I was not born this way. A tumor at my back started it, and now I am paralysed. But I will not give up, it can happen to anybody. People should put a stop to pushing us away,” Justine Thompson said.
They spoke in appreciation of a need assessment conducted by UNFPA Goodwill Ambassador, Claudia Kwarteng Lumor, in commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD).
Claudia, who is the New Patriotic Party’s parliamentary candidate aspirant in the Oforikrom Constituency, is urging entities to assist PWDs in the area.
“These are people who may feel like they are less human. I am glad I have been able to listen to their needs and have positively figured a solution to their predicaments. We can all as people do better. Companies, institutions can champion making lives better for PWDs in Oforikrom,” she said.
Claudia is hopeful of victory in her bid to lead the Oforikrom constituency to deepen efforts to mitigate social challenges in the area.
“I have matured in my dealings with people, and considering the things I have done for the constituency, that is what I am presenting to delegates. Two months more to election, I believe victory for me will facilitate greater things for the constituency,” she said.
Chief of Ayeduase, Nana Opoku Agyemang Bawuah Bonsafo lll, urged authorities to eschew politicizing issues of concern about persons living with disabilities.
“We are happy Claudia came through to support people. I am glad she looked beyond politics, and has embarked on this humanitarian deed. This is what all politicians should learn from,” he said.
As part of the engagement, the PWD members received cash and other incentives.
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