Monday, December 7, 2009

PROMOAFRICA COMMENDS GHANAIAN GOVERNMENT

The Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa-Ghana Chapter, greatly commend H.E President John Evans Atta Mills and NDC government for giving issues concerning persons with disabilities a priority.

Yesterday the Minister of Finance and Economic Panning Hon. Dr. Kwabena Duffour announced in parliament that the government is going to give all children with disabilities in school going age free education and they (the government) has made provision to that effect in the 2010 national budget.

We welcome this social intervention program by government and we pledge our continuous support for this great innovation and assure the government of our full support for its success implementation.

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NETWORK


OUR CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLES

Recalling the charter of the United Nations and the International Bill of Human Rights and various relevant International instruments and Conventions, especially, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and the National Disability Act, Act 715,

Reaffirming the importance of access to the physical, social, economic and cultural environment, to health, education, employment, transportation, and to information and communication for persons with Disabilities to fully enjoy the Human Rights and the fundamental freedoms enshrined in the 1992 Constitution, the laws of the Republic of Ghana,

Mindful of the need to promote the realization of the objectives of the said constitution, laws and policy, acknowledging that discrimination against any person on the basis of disability is a violation of the inherent dignity and worth of the Human person,

Considering that as journalists, we can champion and promote the rights of persons with Disabilities to have equal opportunity to be actively involved in decision making processes and programs, including those directly concerning them,

The Organizations of Persons with Disabilities under the non-political and non-profit making of the Network of journalists For the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities-Ghana Chapter hereby adopts this constitution.

ARTICLE 1: NAME & MOTTO
1.1 The name of the network shall be: Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa-Ghana Chapter and the acronym shall be – PROMOAFRICA.
1.2 The motto of the Network shall be: “Write with Passion”.

ARTICLE 2: AIMS & OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of the network shall be:
(a) To shape the public image of persons with disabilities.
(b) Use Media initiatives and as individual journalists help people who feel less isolated, and at the same time challenge negative stereotype in communities.(c) Persons with disabilities should be interviewed on topical issues in our daily news reporting, and be allowed to have their own voice.
(d) To advance the common interest of persons with disabilities;
(e) To co-operate with other organizations having similar or corresponding interests or objectives;
(f) To serve as a pressure group on all matters affecting PWDs;
(g) To promote the human rights of persons with disabilities including children with disabilities, as enshrined in the constitution and the laws of Ghana, including the right to employment, education, transportation and health services
(g) To do publications, research, provide information and documentation on PWDs in Ghana.

ARTICLE 3: MEMBERSHIP

3. (1) (a) Membership of this network shall comprise all practicing journalists, freelance journalists and other media personalities interested in Disability issues.
(2) Organisations for and with interest in disability issues shall be admitted to associate Membership of the network, but shall not have voting rights.
(3) There shall be a registration fee for new members. This shall be determined by the National Executive Committee.
(4) The criteria for admission of new members of the network shall include;
a. Must be a trained journalist
b. Working for a recognised media house
c. Evidence of being a journalists ( freelance)

ARTICLE 4: MATTERS FOR THE NETWORK

4. (1) the network shall deal with matters that are common, general or cross cutting in relation to the disability movement.

ARTICLE 5: FUNDING
5. (1) all member of this network shall pay an annual subscription to be determined by the National Executive Committee.
(3) The network shall solicit, receive and accept gifts, bequests or legacies of any description for the achievement of the objectives of the network.

ARTICLE 6: EXECUTIVE COMMITTE AND ITS BUSINESS

6. (1) The Executive Committee shall comprise the Executive Board members and five (5) delegates each from the various regions where the network has members.
(2) Not less than forty (40) percent of the number of delegates at the delegate assembly shall be made up of women.
(3) Each member shall exercise a single vote on any issue discussed at the executive committee meeting.
(4) In case of equality of votes the president shall have a casting vote.
(5) The Executive Committee meetings shall consider and adopt:
a. The report of the president;
b. The report of each region;
c. The audited accounts of the network and
d. the work plan and budget of the network.
(6) The executive committee meeting shall review:
a. membership registration fees and
b. membership subscription dues.
(7) The executive committee shall:
a. Ratify the admission of new members;
b. appoint the executive members and
c. consider any other matter concerning the network and its member organizations.

ARTICLE 7: THE EXECUTIVE BOARD: COMPOSITION, TENURE AND FUNCTIONS

7. (1) The Executive committee shall comprise:
a) The substantive Presidents of the network;
b) The Vice-Presidents.
c) An executive secretary.
d) Financial officer who shall be a woman.
e) . Seven appointed members
(3) (a).The tenure of office of the President and the executive committee shall be four (4) years. And shall seek another additional term
(b) The positions of the Presidents shall rotate among the print and electronic media organizations.
(4) (a) The Executive committee shall have general supervision of the affairs of the
Network between its members;
(b) Shall make recommendations to the Organizations of Persons with Disabilities, the Secretariat and the Executive Committee.
(c) Shall perform such other duties as are specified in the Constitution.
(d) The executive shall implement the decisions of the Executive Committee.
(e) The executive shall be responsible for the true accounts of all monies received or expended and of all assets and liabilities of the network.
(f) The Executive shall reserve the right to appoint committees to deal with specific issues.
(g) 1. The Executive shall submit the accounts of the outgoing fiscal year to the auditors not later than three months after the close of the year.
2. The Board shall submit to the Annual delegates Assembly of the Network the final account as the close of the previous year.

ARTICLE 8: POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICE BEARERS

8. (1) President Shall:
a. convene all meetings of the executive;
b. supervise the activities of the network;
c. implement the decisions of the Executive committee;
d. be co-signatory to the network Accounts.
e. represent the network at Forums.
(2) (a) The first Vice President shall:
a. assist the President in the performance of his functions and duties;
b. act as President in the absence of the president.
(3) The financial officer shall:
a.. be co-signatory to the network’s bank account and
b. keep and account for all the network finances.
(4) Executive Secretary shall;
a. runs the official work of the network
b. be responsible for all the documentation of the network
c. report directly to the president and act as the president in the absent of the vice-president

ARTICLE 9: MEETINGS

9. (1) The Delegates Assembly shall be held every two years.
(2) Executive Board shall meet quarterly (four times in a year).
(3) (a) Notice concerning Delegates Assembly shall be served at least two (2) months in advance.
(b) Notice concerning Executive Board meeting shall be served at least one (1) month in advance.
(4) The quorum for meetings shall:
(a) In the case of the Delegate Assembly, be two-thirds of the delegates expected to attend;
(b) In the case of the Executive Board two-thirds of the number of the members.
(5) Emergency Meetings shall be held as and when necessary.
(6) All decisions on important matters shall be taken by consensus or by a two-thirds majority of those present and voting.

ARTICLE 10: THE SECRETARIAT

10.(1) There is established by this constitution a Secretariat which shall: be accessible to all members.
(2)There shall be an Executive Secretary of the Secretariat who shall be appointed by the Executive Board, and he/she shall perform the following functions.
(a) Shall convene meetings in consultation with the President
(b) Shall keep minutes of all meetings.
(c) Shall conduct general correspondence of the network and keep necessary records.
(d) Shall carry out the supervision of the day to day activities of the Secretariat.
(e) Shall be responsible for the implementation of the decisions taken by the Delegates Assembly and by the Executive Board.
(f) Shall prepare reports of the network in consultation with the President.
(g) Shall appoint other junior administrative staff as and when necessary
(3) Other Staff: The Executive Board shall appoint such other senior administrative staff as it may deem necessary

ARTICLE 11: FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION

11.(1) Money not to be directly used for the day to day administration/activities of the Network shall be deposited in such bank or banks as may be approved by the Executive Board.
(2) Bonds, Securities, or other capital assets shall be kept in a safe way as advised by the Auditors of the network.
(3) The books of accounts shall be kept at the network’s Secretariat.
(4) The accounts shall be inspected by an external auditor at the end of the fiscal or financial year.
(5) The auditing shall be concluded within three months from the date the accounts are received by the auditors.
(6) The auditors shall be authorized to inspect and report on the affairs of the network and its accounts annually.
(7) The President of the network and the other signatory to the accounts are authorized to issue and draw Cheques on behalf of the network.

ARTICLE 12: REGISTRATION

12.(1) The network shall be registered at the Registrar-General’s Department as an Association Limited by Guarantee and at the Department of Social Welfare as a voluntary organization.
(2) The network shall be affiliated to other similar International and Local bodies.

ARTICLE 13: AMENDMENTS

14. (1) Amendments to this Constitution shall be approved by consensus at a Delegates Assembly.
(2) Any proposed Amendment shall be communicated to member organizations and the Executive Board among member organizations and the Executive Board of network not less than 4 months prior to the Delegates Assembly at which it is intended to be considered.
(3) The decision to recommend a proposed constitutional amendment for the consideration of the Delegate assembly shall be made by the votes of a two- thirds majority of the executive board.

ARTICLE 14: DISSOLUTION

15. (1) The dissolution of the network shall require decisions by two-thirds (2/3) vote at two (2) consecutive Delegates Assemblies.
(2) In the event of the dissolution of the network, all funds, assets and liabilities shall be equally shared among the member.
(3) Any resolution to dissolve the network should involve the participation and consent of all members.

ARTICLE 15: CONFLICT RESOLUTION

16. (1) all members of the network shall attempt in good faith to negotiate a settlement to any dispute or difference that may arise.
(2) If the dispute or difference is not resolved by negotiation the members shall refer it to mediation.
(3) If the members fail to resolve the dispute or difference within 30 days of the commencement of mediation, the dispute or difference shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration act, 1951 (Act 38).

ARTICLE 16 SANCTIONABLE CONDUCTS

17 (1) the following shall constitute grounds for sanctions;
a) Any conduct likely to bring the name or image of the network into disrepute, public ridicule or contempt;
b) Any conduct involving criminality, illegality, fraud or moral turpitude and
c) Incompetence, negligence, mismanagement or inability to perform the functions or duties of one’s office.
(2) Upon receipt of a complaint in writing in relation to any matter which constitutes a ground for sanctions from any member of the network, the Executive Board shall set up a committee of not more than five persons to enquire into the matter.
(3) The committee which shall sit in-camera shall submit a report together with its recommendations to the Executive Board within two weeks.
(4) The Executive Board shall consider the report of the committee and take such action upon it as it deems appropriate.
(5) Where a vacancy occurs as a result of the removal or suspension of an officer by the Executive Board, the network shall nominate an individual to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term of the officer removed or suspended.

ARTICLE 17 : MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS
18.(1) The network shall have power to:
a) Establish committees as and when necessary,
b) Appoint Patrons or a Board of Trustees.
(2) The criteria for the appointment of members to the Board of Patrons or Trustees shall be determined by the Executive Board.
(3) Considerations regarding eligibility for nomination or appointment to the bodies or organs of the network shall include sensitivity to gender and hard work.
(4) Any issue relating to the interpretation of this constitution shall be determined or clarified by the Board or a relevant committee with the assistance of a legal resource person. promulgate
(5) This constitution shall be interpreted in accordance with the 1992 constitution of the republic of Ghana and in case of conflict the latter shall prevail.

ARTICLE 18: ANNIVERSARIES OF THE NETWORK

The following shall be observed as network anniversary dates:
a. 23rd June Founders Day
b. 23rd June National Day of the Disabled
c. 3rd December International Day of the Disabled

Promulgated 23rd June 2009

Story on 2% Common Fund for Disabled

Distribution of 2% Disability Common Fund
-Suhum Kraboa Coaltar Shows the Positive Way!
The Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District Assembly in the Eastern Region in its efforts to complement the government’s effort at reducing poverty among persons with disabilities in Ghana, have taken a giant lead in the distribution of the Assemblies two percent of its common Funds to persons with disabilities in the district.

According a research conducted in five district in three regions by the Network of Journalist for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with disabilities in Africa-Ghana Chapter and sponsored by the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD), reveals that among the five district, Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District Assembly is the only district that has a well organised formula to disbursed the funds for PWDs.

The research revealed that the District Chief Executive of Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District Assembly Hon. Samuel Fleischer Kwabi has setup a ten member Disability Management Sub-committee charged to work assiduously to ensure fairness, transparency in dealing in all aspect of PWDs in the District.

The committee which is chaired by Hon. Edward Amaadi Antwi an Assemblyman who also doubles as the Chairman of the social services sub-committee of the Assembly, and other representatives from the Department of Social Welfare, the blind society, the District budget analyst, a member form the NBSSI, National Commission on Children, and a representative from the Ghana National Association of the Deaf, has a separate Bank account created for the fund to be managed by the committee with close monitoring by the DCE.

To enable persons with disabilities a clear cut on how to access the funds, the Disability Management Sub-committee has set a mode for the distribution of the disability fund as for the 4th quarter 2008 and 1st quarter 2009 as follow; income generation 30%, awareness creation 20% and organizational support 20%. This has made it very easy for the management committee to distribute the fund and made it easy for PWDs to access the funds totaling GH ¢7335.22.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the District Chief Executive of Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District Assembly Hon. Samuel Fleischer Kwabi said, assured PWDs that the committee would not disburse any fund to any individual or group without the consent of the committee.
He pledged his commitment to make the DACF for PWDs work in line with the government’s aim of minimizing poverty among persons with disabilities, particularly those outside formal sector of employment and the enhancement of their social image through dignified labour. He therefore made a special appeal to fellow DCE to make sure that they distribute the DACF for PWDs to fulfill the ruling NDC manifesto of creating jobs and opportunities for all for a better Ghana.

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA


Press release

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUPPORTS GHANAIAN JOURNALISTS ON DISABILITIES

The University of Manitoba, Faculty of Social Work Canada, is to collaborate with the Network of Journalist for the Promotion of Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa-Ghana Chapter (PROMOAFRICA) to exchange ideas and programs that will promote the wellbeing of persons with disabilities in Ghana.

University of Manitoba based in Winnipeg in Canada, closely works with Canadian Centre for Disability Studies, will aid the PROMOAFRICA to come out with findings on the impact of the first phase of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities which ends in this December and other areas that will promote and improve on the lives of persons with disabilities. Also, other areas the university seeks collaboration with the Journalists network includes, research, advocacy, exchange programs and ideas, and training on social works.

Prof. Don Fuchs, Project Director, Comani Student Exchange program University of Manitoba announced this in a meeting between the leadership of the Network of Journalist for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disability in Africa-Ghana Chapter, which was witness by the Programs manager of the Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities, madam Aida Sarr from Senegal, Mr. Gregory Lankono advocacy office of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) and chaired by Mr. Oman Diop, the special adviser of the Mayor of Dakar-Senegal.

On his part, Mr. Seth K. Addi, the president of the Journalists Network thank the University of Manitoba and added that its partnership with the university will play an important role in ensuring that African governments makes the necessary changes to national and local laws, policies and programs to advance the lives of the nearly 80 million Africans with disabilities.

He said the democratic environment in the country gives media professionals to be more responsible in their reporting. “But it is society’s responsibility to demand a more democratic media and have a duty to get their message to the press so that their voices can be heard and reach the general public” he added.

He said partnership with the University gives confident and determination to the network in their struggle to gain the recognition and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all sectors of Ghanaian life.