NGO lauds Prez for appionting PWD

Story: Benjamin Xornam Glover, Bolgatanga Rural Initiatives for Self Empowerment-Ghana (RISE-Ghana), a Bolgatanga based NGO whose objectives include empowering the vulnerable including Persons With Disability(PWD's) in communities to live dignified lives and become self-relient, has lauded the President for appointing Dr. Henry Seidu Daannaa, as Minister designate for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs. Mr Awal Ahmed, Project Manager of RISE Ghana in interview said the President's appointment represents a major leap for disability rights in Ghana and Africa as a whole and that must be commended. Mr. Ahmed said "this is also a great motivation for NGOs and activists like us" but was quick to add that more needs to be done. "we expect more appointments in other ministries and board of director positions." Asked what this appointment add to the fight for equity , he said Mr. Danna" His appoint will go a long way to motivate PWDs across Ghana to have a positive attitude and high self esteem. "The added advantage is that, it has the potential of breaking that cultural barrier that PWDs cannot serve as Chiefs," he said. Mr Awal Ahmed, a human rights and social justice activist recently called on the President to use his first 100 days to ensure the passage of a Legislative Instrument to fully operationalize the Persons With Disability, PWD Act passed in 2006. He also urged the government under the leadership of President Mahama to commit itself and allocate adequate resources to the various special schools and rehabilitation centers (some of which have been closed down) located across the country. He described Mr Daannaa's appointment as best so far and the most strategic and expressed the hope that this will be an indication of good things to come for PWDs. -end-