The Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA), per this statement condemn
the growing act of political violence and shootings by known ministers of
states and political actors at the ongoing EC registration centers across the
country.
It's very disheartening to see persons with disability on a
wheelchair, aged persons, pregnant women, or lactating mothers at the polling a station in Kasoa during shooting running for cover.
The EC directives that these people should go to their
district offices doesn't mean that we don't visit polling stations to register
again because most of the EC offices in the various districts are not
disability friendly and so some disabled persons prefer to go their polling
stations to register for convenience seek.
Unfortunately, Security personnel at the polling stations
are not even holding truncheons, but Hon. Ministers of State Hawa Koomson and
other political actors are brandishing harmful weapons, but well-trained
security personnel deemed unnecessary to carry one.
We are hereby appealing to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo
Addo to respect the AFRICAN
CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
IN AFRICA to take appropriate and effective measures to protect and promote the
rights and dignity of persons with disabilities as stated in article 7: a “States Parties shall: Take
specific measures to ensure the protection and safety of persons with
disabilities situations of risk, including situations of armed conflict,
arbitrary displacements, humanitarian emergencies, and natural disasters”.
We are also appealing to the National Security apparatus and
the National Peace Council to step in and crack the whip without fear or
favor. " Equality is Equity "
SIGNED: Mariam Nyarkoah Amponsah
Executive Director- PROMOAFRICA
(Tel: 00233506661433)
