The Ayawaso North Municipal branch of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has held its maiden disability awareness day to build the capacity of persons with disability (PWD) in the municipality.
The occasion, which was meant to sensitise members on their rights and opportunities in the disability act, brought together members of Ghana Blind Union (GBU), Ghana National Association of the Deaf (GNAD) and Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD).
In an address, the Director of Social Welfare at the municipality, Mrs Joyce Kulevo, said persons with disability should make effort to read the disability act and make input into it.
She said as the act was being reviewed, it was important for them to start working with various government agencies in the municipality to access opportunities available to them.
Mrs Kulevo said it was time PWDs begin advocating for their rights, stating the education for PWDs was free by law.
She said monies from the disability fund was not enough to pay school fees, but “you people should come together and petition the universities on what the law says, it is supposed to be free”.
According to Mrs Kulevo, the disability law was made for persons with disability, hence the need for them to be abreast of the law to make informed decisions and fight for their rights.
The General Secretary for the Ayawaso North Municipal branch of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, Mr Johnson Mahama, said the aim of the meeting was to help members fraternise among themselves and become a strong voice in the municipality.
He said it was time PWDs in the municipality are recognised and made to feel included.
BY JEMIMA ESINAM KUATSINU
