tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11673725491250724412024-03-05T02:17:11.767-08:00PROMOAFRICANETWORK OF JOURNALISTS FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA.PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-81778278891572246882020-09-27T11:36:00.000-07:002020-09-27T11:36:11.663-07:00THE WESTERN REGIONAL MINISTER MUST APOLOGIZE TO THE DEAF PERSONS IN GHANA OVER HIS RECKLESS STATEMENT<div class="separator"><p style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> The
Network of Journalist for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities in Africa ( PROMOAFRICA) are very concerned about the welfare of
people living with disability and so, condemn the reckless and unwarranted
attack on deaf persons which was made by the Western Regional Minister, Hon.
Kobby Okyere Darko.</p></div>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>The
said Minister who is also a Member of Parliament of Takoradi was heard on an
audio when he was addressing his party supporters saying that, "Ghana is
not ready to have a deaf person ("mumu") in parliament."</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>We
as an organization, abhor such derogatory statement made by the honorable
member of parliament who is supposed to be knowledgeable about the United
Nations</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">conventions
on persons with disabilities and the National disability law.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span>We
therefore entreat the Minister to withdraw the statement made about the deaf
and apologize to them. As his statement contradicts article 37(1) of the
national Disability Act which states that, "A person shall not call a
person with disability derogatory names because of the disability of the
person". A person who contradicts subsection (1) commits an offence and is
liable on a summary conviction to a fine not exceed fifty penalty units or to a
term of imprisonment not exceeding fifty penalty units or to a term of
imprisonment not exceeding three months or both.</p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Failure
to do so in 5 working days, he will face the anger of the disability movement
in Ghana.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Signed:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Seth
Amoah Kwaku Addi<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-19242922508002575032020-07-21T02:48:00.001-07:002020-07-21T02:48:18.129-07:00PROMOAFRICA CONDEMNED CONTINUES POLITICAL VIOLENCE AT EC REGISTRATION CENTERS <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNC_9dRXDqHaLlu2Y0E9F58eTsorkoRBOmNTbPvjgviU25WsXD3cV6iXZ1lVM_lgS7K8TZt135TLeQpt2xvPDIs6J1yWtutXXuWB-ZtgyUIz-1oEaS8ooLn1IPYIaZFRmd4ak1NVCBOg/s1600/Georg+Andah.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="720" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaNC_9dRXDqHaLlu2Y0E9F58eTsorkoRBOmNTbPvjgviU25WsXD3cV6iXZ1lVM_lgS7K8TZt135TLeQpt2xvPDIs6J1yWtutXXuWB-ZtgyUIz-1oEaS8ooLn1IPYIaZFRmd4ak1NVCBOg/s320/Georg+Andah.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We are hereby appealing to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo
Addo to respect</span> the <span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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 <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>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”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">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 "<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">SIGNED: Mariam Nyarkoah Amponsah<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Executive Director- PROMOAFRICA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Tel: 00233506661433)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-90857626684389381482019-03-23T12:12:00.001-07:002019-03-23T12:12:14.776-07:00Ghana Disability Forum push for Quality Health Delivery System in Ghana<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In Ghana Persons with disabilities
often have difficulty in receiving proper healthcare they need compared to
other citizen who do not have disabilities.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-ORBITGhmq2difZ6edapB2lxM7xBv6cvt3eZGByhAhh3i-xaL-32syRHxBODBuO1QGBn8Jnw3U_2LA0hj18B80og4eGmRbJ8DAejINfSAQlb7qYQl3tPCF661qH_t_4XtOehjGR5QFU/s1600/disability+hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="852" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi-ORBITGhmq2difZ6edapB2lxM7xBv6cvt3eZGByhAhh3i-xaL-32syRHxBODBuO1QGBn8Jnw3U_2LA0hj18B80og4eGmRbJ8DAejINfSAQlb7qYQl3tPCF661qH_t_4XtOehjGR5QFU/s320/disability+hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When compared to the general
population, persons with disabilities have lower life expectancy, higher
morbidity, and more difficulty finding and obtaining healthcare in Ghana. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The Ghana Disability Forum, an
intellectual based and advocacy grouping at its midweek discussions, highlighted
those concern to push for action and reforms in the healthcare sector. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The theme of the discussion was “<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk4261699">health delivery system and persons with disabilities</a>”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It came to light that, there is
very limited evidence on the organisation of healthcare services for persons with
disability as there are currently no well‐designed studies focusing on
organising the health services of persons with disability and concurrent
physical problems. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Also, there are very few studies
of organizational interventions targeting persons with disabilities and the
results of those that were found need corroborative. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Ghana Disability Forum called for
an urgent need for high‐quality health services research to identify optimal
health services for persons with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Forum called for immediate establishment
of active sign language specialists in the hospitals, need assistive tool to
make the health environment disability friendly, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA)
must take a look at PWDs and how they can be supported in terms of cost,
Encourage more PWDs to enroll in health institutions and contact other NGOs
that provide assistive devices to help PWDS.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk4260442"><br /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk4260442">TodayGhanaNews
can authoritatively state that, there is very limited evidence on the
organisation of healthcare services for persons with disabilities in Ghana and
there are currently no well‐designed studies focusing on organising the health
services of persons with disability and concurrent physical problems. <o:p></o:p></a></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;">The
call by Ghana Disability Forum is a wake-up call for government of Ghana, NGOs
and policy formulators to urgently look at the need for high‐quality health
services research to identify optimal health services for persons with disabilities
in Ghana.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;">One
of the biggest challenges persons disabilities in Ghana face is accessing unfriendly
nature of healthcare infrastructure.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;">Most
of the discussants lamented that most healthcare facilities in Ghana lack
ramps, wheelchairs, disability-friendly delivery beds, appropriate separate
toilets for PWDs and sign language interpreters to assist in examination tables,
medication and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>healthcare providers’insensitivity and lack of knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;">Several accounts of the Forum member indicated that some healthcare providers were not only
rude and insensitive but also they appeared ill-prepared to address the needs
of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>persons with disabilities because
most health professionals were not trained to understand disability and to
provide care to persons with disabilities in Ghana.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk4260442;"></span>
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Source: Seth Addi/TodayGhanaNews<o:p></o:p></div>
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PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-41460701659096368232019-01-30T06:17:00.001-08:002019-01-30T06:17:16.395-08:00STATEMENT: PRESIDENT AKUFO-ADDO’S METAPHORICAL USAGE OF DISABILITY AND IT'S NEGATIVE EFFECTS ON THE RIGHTS OF PWD's<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylYYz4yivIbDp2atjVCVHDue4T6JZHiXaNn8QhLyl0TSA1nyJs2aNKEfpti0rpPtqvT1b-1QK_LaeAOwa8giNedmJpXVXrDr0Xru9igrlg1F8sQ5nGZ7TqeKZgi9PfLEdCgp0kCI71bo/s1600/president-akufo-addo-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="831" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjylYYz4yivIbDp2atjVCVHDue4T6JZHiXaNn8QhLyl0TSA1nyJs2aNKEfpti0rpPtqvT1b-1QK_LaeAOwa8giNedmJpXVXrDr0Xru9igrlg1F8sQ5nGZ7TqeKZgi9PfLEdCgp0kCI71bo/s320/president-akufo-addo-.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We, the Network of Journalists for
the Promotion of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA), have read
news report in various media outlets attributed to H.E President Nana Akufo Addo
saying “only the blind and deaf ignore NPP’s fulfilled promises” and many more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We think the president’s usage of
the “blindness and deafness” is very unacceptable. The use of disability by the
president as metaphor is very derogative and distasteful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We think, the president should have told
his opponents who are pretending not to see his good works to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>stop that,
rather than calling them “blind and deaf”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The point is, society sees
disability as synonymous to lack of insight, inability to communicate, lack of
agility, and not having the power to think for yourself or depend on your own
self. These are all misconceptions and stereotypes associated with
disability which should be changed. When a person uses” blindness and deafness
to connote negativity, the person rather <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk536619242">reinforce such
prejudices and stereotypes.<o:p></o:p></a></span></div>
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<span style="mso-bookmark: _Hlk536619242;"></span>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">PROMOAFRICA, dislike <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>phrases such as , “I was blind and now I
see", once voice falls on deaf ears, stand up on yourself” these are all
negative statements which are against UN<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>convention of the Rights of Persons with disabilities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Remember, the president wasn’t
offering praises. he wasn’t admiring his opponent but was portraying them in a
negative manner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In reference, the President wanted
to tell his opponent that they lack something, hence the usage of derogative
and offensive word connoting disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">We called on the President to uphold
and adhere to the principles in the African Charter on Persons with
disabilities. He should also stop using disability as metaphor that portrays
negativity in his speeches.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Ghana has come a long way on issues
concerning the rights of persons with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Long Live Ghana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Long Live the disability movement in
Ghana<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Signed; Amoah Kwaku Addi<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">President, PROMOAFRICA<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-63999210691455764142018-12-26T09:23:00.004-08:002018-12-26T09:46:07.219-08:00Mzbel Celebrates symbolic 39th Birthday with Persons with Disabilities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyg5epTL8CfnuFuetpwtmBSHddeot3N2MI4rR6vk8eYkWCEcpxkljbVRZgbUNIT-VyETUWnuagIF2uPeSKZRNAagPtJt5rzG2sXUs8KfmbU_ClLs4NnTaJnsIZmZv29-IBN0SIVdlnEI/s1600/mzbel+party.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="774" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuyg5epTL8CfnuFuetpwtmBSHddeot3N2MI4rR6vk8eYkWCEcpxkljbVRZgbUNIT-VyETUWnuagIF2uPeSKZRNAagPtJt5rzG2sXUs8KfmbU_ClLs4NnTaJnsIZmZv29-IBN0SIVdlnEI/s320/mzbel+party.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<b>Ghanaian Hiplife artist and one
of the most popular female singers in Accra, Ghana, Miss Belinda Nana Ekua
Amoah, popularly known as Mzbel, today 26<sup>th</sup> December 2018,
celebrates her 39<sup>th</sup> birthday with Persons with disabilities at her
residence.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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In attendance were over 35
persons with disabilities, close family members, the media and other
celebrities. Who where treated with delicious African cuisines, drinks and live
music performance by Mzbel and other artists and photo sections. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The PROMOAFRICA Disability Music
Ambassador according to reliable information available to TodaGhanaNews , “The all-white
birthday bash with persons with Disability”, is because of her down to earth
nature and also to serve as opportunity to announced her next disability
reality show which will take Africa by storm come 2019-2020 and beyond.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. Francis Adjetey Sowah, the
founder and executive Director of Ghana Disabled Fellowship International in an
exclusive interview with TodayGhanaNews, expressed gratitude to Mzbel for
remembering them as special guest at her birthday, which in other sense she
could have organized for the more privilege and well to do in society, but she
did for them to fell special on this occasion. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W2dpzpGSAS2ZtTAmXaRnswAf9eZv8KBCEzzFupASEa2XDf2yVTVZG_JcmnB2bIAhgoMb1Lcdc3mH8hKI_HqExPoMVJ4RMyx2OhHwClekaQ3yCOjOGiAuI_o0TgHM09YiNHkFYZMCjvA/s1600/mzbel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1032" data-original-width="774" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0W2dpzpGSAS2ZtTAmXaRnswAf9eZv8KBCEzzFupASEa2XDf2yVTVZG_JcmnB2bIAhgoMb1Lcdc3mH8hKI_HqExPoMVJ4RMyx2OhHwClekaQ3yCOjOGiAuI_o0TgHM09YiNHkFYZMCjvA/s320/mzbel.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
He said, “Mzbel epitomizes hope
for our future and unbridled zeal and tenacity and socialization”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. Francis Adjetey Sowah, who is
also the President of the Amputee Football Federation of Africa and Chief
Executive officer of EcotechGhana Technology and Ecological company Limited,
said it is imperative therefore, that with such overwhelming love on the part
of songstress Mzbel for bringing inscrutable smiles on their faces at such a
time. “It’s appropriate we join and wish her a 39<sup>th</sup> Happy Birthday
celebration”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
He praised Mzbel by saying “She
is one of the impeccable, quintessential women within the music industry who
have us at heart for such a project with us. By extending a warm of friendship
to enable us wine and dine with her is adorable, which goes a long way to
motivate us give us a sense of humor and belongingness”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“We are encouraged by her
exploits and tenacity and intuitive skills and anticipate that with one accord,
steadfast integrity and sacrifice” he added.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Network of Journalists for
the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa
(PROMOAFRICA), on 14<sup>th</sup> February 2018 officially appointed Mzbel to serve
as its special Music Ambassador to help raise funds to support its activities
to train African journalists on the African Unions (AU) Charter on the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Her appointment as a Special
Music Ambassador is based on your long-time experience, exposure and influence
in the art, cultural and music industry in Ghana, couples with your enthusiasm
to work with the underprivileged, the marginalized, women and children in
Ghana. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As Special Ambassador, she was
tasked in helping to promote positively the rights of persons with disabilities
in Ghana and Africa and work closely with PROMOAFRICA’s projects from the
period February 2018 to February 2021.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Source: Seth Addi and Anita Frimpong<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
/TodayGhanaNews <br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-76365271294469326832018-06-23T06:28:00.004-07:002018-06-23T06:28:58.073-07:00All is set for Official launch of Dominica’s foundation ICT training for disabled in Ashanti<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ-zSosGuLO24MeFc9Rj0_y94n8jIK5Qh5aiTgqC24Z4kk_IvRQGCd_cIhKR5kL-EIVj9qCU8wwVTZJJcfyHfta2W-pgSsm7eHHSJpVbRbba_uOyPcpFtsff5VhEvgl3H-DT1amjq2PE/s1600/dannis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZ-zSosGuLO24MeFc9Rj0_y94n8jIK5Qh5aiTgqC24Z4kk_IvRQGCd_cIhKR5kL-EIVj9qCU8wwVTZJJcfyHfta2W-pgSsm7eHHSJpVbRbba_uOyPcpFtsff5VhEvgl3H-DT1amjq2PE/s320/dannis.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr. Dannis Osei-Marfo </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Billions of
dollars are invested every year in projects meant to fight poverty, provide
quality education services for the youth, improve access to healthcare services,
and more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Unfortunately,
too many of these projects leave behind persons with disabilities.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Both governments and civil society, including disabled persons organizations
(DPOs), can play a role in holding bilateral and multilateral international
development agencies accountable for disability inclusion in their projects.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">That is the main
motivation behind PROMOAFRICA’s will to partner Dominica’s Foundation and
Aviella Foundation to organised an ICT training for persons with disabilities
in Ashanti region to accelerate their integration to society and the alleviate
poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Speaking in a
exclusive TodayGhanaNews, the coordinator of Dominica’s Foundation Ashanti ICT
training project persons with disabilities, Mr. Dannis Osei-Marfo said, all is
set for the grand launch of the project at Kumasi cultural centre on 11th
August 2018.<br /><br />
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Mr. Dannis Osei-Marfo explained that, the project is in concept with the Africa
Union protocol on persons with disabilities in Africa, adopted by African heads
of states in Addis Ababa -Ethiopia in January 2018.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEbOc0LObJ3rtKojazriidLEVTre9TjhvZ9PJuh6zt6ODrsMxdS0ahKEzQ27sE6VQKjNr6rJJQ1CqQYI8atgqWynp2Ka2X8_mUwWaBBaN0BjKYNWnCYbGpmNl66mzaKSKUL-NawVZ6yM/s1600/dominica+foto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="502" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZEbOc0LObJ3rtKojazriidLEVTre9TjhvZ9PJuh6zt6ODrsMxdS0ahKEzQ27sE6VQKjNr6rJJQ1CqQYI8atgqWynp2Ka2X8_mUwWaBBaN0BjKYNWnCYbGpmNl66mzaKSKUL-NawVZ6yM/s320/dominica+foto.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ms Dominica Nana Esi Amankwa</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He said, “The
foundation of this project is derived from article 14 of the protocol which
encourage States Parties to take effective and appropriate measures, including
peer support, to enable persons with disabilities to attain and maintain
maximum independence, full physical, mental, social and vocational ability, and
full inclusion and participation in all aspects of life, including by:<br />
a. Organising, strengthening and extending comprehensive habilitation and
rehabilitation services and programmes, particularly in the areas of health,
employment, education and social services;<br />
c. Promoting the availability, knowledge and use of appropriate, suitable and
affordable assistive devices and technologies;<br />
d. Supporting the design, development, production, distribution and servicing
of assistive devices and equipment for persons with disabilities, adapted to
local conditions;<br />
e. Developing, adopting and implementing standards, including regulations on
accessibility and universal design, suitable to local conditions.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He said, so far,
the Chief Executive officer of Dominica’s foundation, Ms. Dominica Nana Esi
Amankwaa has confirm with all the local in international dignitaries for their
full participation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He said, speakers
at
the event will include, Ms. Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah (Mzbel) who is PROMOAFRICA
Disability music ambassador, The Ashanti Regional Minister Hon. Simon Osei
Mensah, the Regional Director of Department of Social Welfare, Vice-President
of PROMOAFRICA, Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingson, and local representative of Aviella
Foundation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">He said, there
will also be an exhibition of art and craft made by persons with disabilities
in the region and a mini funds raising toward the project.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Source: Seth
Addi/TodayGhanaNews<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-63905914403972471962018-03-17T10:48:00.000-07:002018-03-17T10:48:01.298-07:00PROMOAFRICA NOMINATE MIZBEL AS DISABILITY MUSIC AMBASSADOR <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
PROMOAFRICA ON 14th February 2018, AT LA VILLA BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN ACCRA-GHANA, CONFIRMED ON MZBEL THE PROMOAFRICA MUSIC AMBASSADOR TITLE TO HELP RAISE FUNDS TO SUPPORT OUR ACTIVITIES TO TRAIN AFRICA JOURNALISTS ON AFRICA UNION CHARTER ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
WATCH THE FULL VIDEO</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxSXMPPrceRz4aul39EzuRZFqpZnl5KkdSwk8mnqhA6fNsLg02bhVjfUIL5efMByO8CATtFrOW7cu4pSFdwOg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-38101683145194740682018-02-17T14:00:00.000-08:002018-02-17T14:00:28.040-08:00KOREAN BUSINESSMAN DONATES TOWARD MZBEL’S DISABILITY PROJECT<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV5L8rFWbDs9kU1qSFC-_NStxqaVvoZ3GGNFtXSdE9qwwChoFtBd6EhyjJNfn2-_h322ykOHCeoBXCClb5qbhK_lr_tXuKQV1LlQxsDaBReie9RlMcdi0ncdBSYPYqmpfRwDK-1BH3fE/s1600/korean+businessman.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVV5L8rFWbDs9kU1qSFC-_NStxqaVvoZ3GGNFtXSdE9qwwChoFtBd6EhyjJNfn2-_h322ykOHCeoBXCClb5qbhK_lr_tXuKQV1LlQxsDaBReie9RlMcdi0ncdBSYPYqmpfRwDK-1BH3fE/s320/korean+businessman.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>The Managing Director of Harom International Company Limited
Mr. Jin ho Moon and his local partner Mr. Joseph Darko has donated 200 brand new clothing’s
to PROMOAFRICA towards Mzbel’s Disability Music Ambassador project to aid the
beautiful musician on her next level of activities.</b></div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mr. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jin ho Moon and mr.
Joseph Darko presented the items at the official confirmation ceremony of Mzbel
as Disability Music Ambassador for PROMOAFICA at La Villa Boutique Hotel in
Accra on St. Valentine’s day. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking at the donation, Mr. Moon said, their gift is token
from his company on valentine day to aid Mzbel for the right path she has taken,
and they are ready to partner her in other activities to support the
underprivileged in society.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Mr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jin ho Moon.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>praised the songstress for using her God
given talent to work for persons with disabilities and her kindhearted
tendencies towards, children women and persons with disabilities. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Executive Secretary of PROMOAFRICA Mariam Nyarkoah
Amponsah who received the items on behalf of the network, thank Mr. Moon and
his local partners for the kind gesture and assured him that the cloths will be
given to persons with disabilities in one of the special schools in the
country.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights
of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA), on 14<sup>th</sup>
February 2018, was outdoor at a colorful ceremony to serve as Disability Music
Ambassador to help raise funds to support its activities to train African
journalists on the African Unions (AU) Charter on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Her appointment according to PROMOAFRICA, was based on her long-time
experience, exposure and influence in the art, cultural and music industry in
Ghana, couples with her enthusiasm to work with the underprivileged, the
marginalized, women and children in Ghana. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
As Special Ambassador, Mzbel is tasked in helping to promote
positively the rights of persons with disabilities in Ghana and Africa and work
closely with PROMOAFRICA’s projects.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Source: Seth Addi/TodayGhanaNews.com<o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-66234424036167479302018-02-14T22:33:00.003-08:002018-02-14T22:33:30.382-08:00MZBEL APPOINTED DISABILITY MUSIC AMBASSADOR FOR PROMOAFRICA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65HFfsbmA17iR2qeBgwtZMVKW0y-uUvIOzuTn3LqnyU8R4Al5gQgFaLAG8tOHIiPt8vQAd5QV8AkDW-phAkl5jeK-Vv1QFMa3s6mE-JfSkC4qzte-Gn279k4d-HFryBtNmwDitdtwR2Q/s1600/mzbel+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg65HFfsbmA17iR2qeBgwtZMVKW0y-uUvIOzuTn3LqnyU8R4Al5gQgFaLAG8tOHIiPt8vQAd5QV8AkDW-phAkl5jeK-Vv1QFMa3s6mE-JfSkC4qzte-Gn279k4d-HFryBtNmwDitdtwR2Q/s320/mzbel+pic.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mxbel reciving the citation from PROMOAFRICA </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
One of Ghana’s sensational female
veteran musician, Ms. Belinda Nana Ekua Amoah popularly known as Mzbel has been
nominated as Disability Music Ambassador for PROMOFRICA at a colorful event at
La Villa Boutique hotel in Accra on 14<sup>th</sup> February 2018 for a period
of three years. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
According to a citation<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>presented to her at the event witness by the
leadership of Ghana coalition of Disability Organisations and the media, reads
“The Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA), with pleasure nominate you to serve as
our special Disability Music Ambassador to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>help raise funds to support its activities to
train African journalists on the African Unions (AU) Charter on the Rights of
Persons with Disabilities”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Your Appointment as a Special
Music Ambassador is based on your long-time experience, exposure and influence
in the art, cultural and music industry in Ghana, couples with your enthusiasm
to work with the underprivileged, the marginalized, women and children in Ghana”.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“As Special Ambassador, you are
tasked in helping to promote positively the rights of persons with disabilities
in Ghana and Africa and work closely with PROMOAFRICA’s projects from the
period February 2018 to February 2021”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
According the citation signed by
the executive Secretary of PROMOAFRICA Mr.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Mariam Nyarkoa Amponsah said, “With your competency, leadership and
creativity, we place responsibility on you and your outfit (Mzbel Music) to
work with PROMOAFRICA to organize the First Ghana National Disability Awards
and Concert to raise funds for PROMOAFRICA and Africa Disability Alliance (ADA)
to encourage inclusion of PWDs in society”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“Demonstrating your support for
this project will ensure great benefit and incredible opportunities for us,
PWD’s and journalists that will benefit from your generous benevolence”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
“In thanking you for accepting
this noble task, we extend also our very best wishes in connection with the
important new responsibilities you are about to assume”.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
The Network of Journalist for the
Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disability in Africa (PROMOAFRICA) was
formed by the African Decade Secretariat of Persons with disabilities in the
Senegalese capital Dakar on the 24th of April 2008 by journalists attending a
training workshop on the "new UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with
Disabilities and the New Terminology Guide. Attended by journalists from
Liberia, the Gambia, Mauritania, Sierra Leone, La Cote D’ Ivore, Ghana,
Senegal, Togo and Burundi.<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
PROMOAFRICA was launched on the 23rd June 2008 by the Deputy Minister of
Manpower, Youth and Employment, Hon Frema Opare, tasked to work closely with
the <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>disability <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>organizations in Ghana and Africa to achieve their
aims and objectives.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
Source: Seth
Addi/TodayGhanaNews.com<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<br /></div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-13168772152757943002018-02-14T12:58:00.004-08:002018-02-14T12:58:45.387-08:00AFRICA DISABILITY ALLIANCE BOSS SENT HEARTWARMING MESSAGE TO MZBEL <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebxUVJLzcQ1QoUl8MKqpqCCPH1K1vSsVBADcinRJNpjeRFoznwGDn9zbNJnDDOi6Zj5E4cYlcUvVovwerxvMmfQKdvMZXGjtGLWFugSqeCQ1IK5foTqupH-DDGbjHdJJtIBb9ZR42kHU/s1600/mzbel+pic.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1080" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhebxUVJLzcQ1QoUl8MKqpqCCPH1K1vSsVBADcinRJNpjeRFoznwGDn9zbNJnDDOi6Zj5E4cYlcUvVovwerxvMmfQKdvMZXGjtGLWFugSqeCQ1IK5foTqupH-DDGbjHdJJtIBb9ZR42kHU/s320/mzbel+pic.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: large;">The Chief Executive Officer of Africa Disability Alliance Mr. Kudakwashe Dube has sent a heartwarming congratulatory
message to Ghana’s sensational songstress Mzbel on her appointment a Disability Music Ambassador of PROMOAFRICA.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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Since 2004, the <span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">ADA </span>has worked with a range of development
and political organisations such as AU, UN agencies, intergovernmental
organisations, International Non-governmental Organisations (INGOs),
development agencies, research institutions and universities to ensure the
generation and spread of knowledge and best practices throughout the continent
about inclusive development.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">The organization </span>advocates for inclusion of disability and people
with disabilities into development plans and programmes as well as for
self-determination of people with disabilities.<o:p></o:p></div>
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ADA is a disability-led technical
agency deriving its mandate from the African continental human rights movement
of organisations of persons with disabilities that constitute its membership<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">, t</span>he ADA works on and utili<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">z</span>es a broad range of policy tools
in disability programming and implementation processes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="FR" style="mso-ansi-language: FR;">The ADA vision is ‘’ An African continent where people with disabilities
enjoy their human rights’’. This is achieve through working in partnership with
African governments, Private sector, Civil Society OrganiZations CSOs and
Disabled People’s Organizations DPO to promote inclusive development and human
rights for persons with disabilities in Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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The south African based organization,
in a letter dated 14<sup>th</sup> February 2018, said “This is to congratulate
you on your nomination as<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Disability
Music Ambassador of PROMOAFRICA, for your relentless and selfless service to
society. Let me congratulate you personally as well as on behalf of all the
Africa Disability Alliance. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr. Kudakwashe Dube in appreciation
said “Madam, the entire country knows you as a selfless social worker and a
great singer. The country has witnessed how you elbowed your way through all
hardships and worked for the destitute, the needy and the poor”. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“Madam, you have been working for
the last years and proved that if people want to bring about the social change
they can do so. I think you being the Disability Music Goodwill Ambassador is
the honor of this honor in a true sense. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“We hope our musicians in the continent
too do something worthwhile taking some inspiration from your work”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mzbel. born Belinda Nana Ekua
Amoah was crown the Disability Music Ambassador for PROMOAFRICA at a colorful
event at La Villa Boutique hotel in Accra by The Network of Journalists for the
Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA) supported
by the Ghana Coalition of Disability Organizations on Valentine day.<o:p></o:p></div>
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According to PROMOAFRICA, Mzbel’s appointment
is based on her long-time experience, exposure and influence in the art,
cultural and music industry in Ghana, couples with her enthusiasm to work with
the underprivileged, the marginalized, women and children in Ghana. <o:p></o:p></div>
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As Disability Music Ambassador, she
was tasked to help promote positively the rights of persons with disabilities
in Ghana and Africa and work closely with PROMOAFRICA’s projects from the
period February 2018 to February 2021.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Source: Seth Addi/PROMOAFRICA<o:p></o:p></div>
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PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-68510818997810004422018-02-09T11:38:00.001-08:002018-02-09T11:38:47.080-08:00ADA URGED AFRICAN GOV’TS TO RATIFY AFRICA DISABILITY PROTOCOL <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The Africa Disability Alliance calls on
African Governments to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskHNM6eqOzYF3usAIu_Jiw6u82ZhoSl1kGYPjSfNVgPrOQdVzBa4lEcJyaYblZC5kqRkEXbzFo4HHbmniaPm5AVn4C7L58GFW27uGCV1fMOckw3D4_TPDUecKYWMscBe3hjITC8KAI-U/s1600/ada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="332" data-original-width="544" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiskHNM6eqOzYF3usAIu_Jiw6u82ZhoSl1kGYPjSfNVgPrOQdVzBa4lEcJyaYblZC5kqRkEXbzFo4HHbmniaPm5AVn4C7L58GFW27uGCV1fMOckw3D4_TPDUecKYWMscBe3hjITC8KAI-U/s320/ada.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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According to a press state issued
on 8<sup>th</sup> February 2018 and signed by the communication Director of The
Africa Disability Alliance (ADA) Ms Aida sarr, they congratulated <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the African Union (AU) Assembly of African
Union Heads of States and Governments held from 28-29 January 2018 for adopting
<b>the <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_Hlk505443046">Protocol to the African Charter on Human and
Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities</a> in Africa
(herein referred to as the Africa Disability Protocol (ADP) or Protocol).<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The statement said “31 January
2018 will forever be engraved in the memory of the over 84 million African with
disabilities, including older persons and their supporters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Assembly, during its 30th summit in Addis
Ababa, Ethiopia took a historic decision that a direct positive impact on the
lives of persons with disabilities giving effect to ADA’s vision of <b>‘An
African continent where people with disabilities enjoy their human rights”.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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She said, the ADA recognises the
AU and its agencies as key partners in ensuring fulfilment of human rights for
people with disabilities in Africa. ADA has been collaborating with AU Commission’s
Department of Social Affairs (DSA) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (where ADA has a
regional office), African Commission on Human and People’s Rights (ACHPR) in
Banjul, the Gambia and the Pan African Parliament (PAP) in Midrand, South
Africa.<o:p></o:p></div>
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ADA has Observer Status with the
ACHPR (the ADA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mr Kudakwashe “AK’ Dube is an
expert member of the Working Group for Older Persons and Persons with
Disabilities) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with PAP which enabled the
organisation to play a pivotal role in the development and drafting the
Protocol.<o:p></o:p></div>
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ADA provided resources,
expertise, capacity, research evidence, diplomacy and international influence
that guided the development of the protocol. The organisations mobilised international,
regional, nation civil society organisations (CSOs), Disabled Peoples’
Organisations (DPOs), development cooperation partners in advocacy and lobbying
programmes that targeted the AU in its policy and legal reforms.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We would like to thank our partners
the African Union Commission, the Regional Economic Communities, the African
Commission for Human and Peoples’ Rights, the Pan African Parliament, and the
African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights for their active participation and
support over the years.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In a statement to mark the
adoption of the Protocol, the CEO of ADA Mr K. Dube said:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>‘This is a momentous occasion,
a key milestone in a journey that started more than eight years ago. It is
important to stress that the Protocol adds value to and is premised on the
provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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He went on to say:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>‘ADA acknowledges the key role
played by the African Union Commission, ACHPR, PAP, partners such as the Swedish
Development Agency (Sida), European Union, Christoffel Blindenmission (CBM),
Open Society Institute of Southern Africa (OSISA), Finnish Foreign Ministry,
GiZ, USAID and African governments who, since 2008 provided much needed support
at the various stages of developing the Protocol.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We thank all organisations, academic
institutions, DPOs, ADA Continental Member Organisations<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=1167372549125072441#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" style="mso-footnote-id: ftn1;" title=""><sup><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><sup><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></sup></b><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>
and their leadership/management structures that provided invaluable inputs,
proposals and launched various campaigns that resulted in the endorsement of
the draft Protocol by the ACHPR, AU Special Technical Committees (STCs) and
other stakeholders. We thank the media, ADA network of Journalists, and Network
of Parliamentarians for the support and promotion of this Protocol and ADA’s
work in general.’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Mr K. Dube urged all the
fifty-five African countries to now ratify the Protocol in record time. He
addition, he said:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>‘Our message to current and
future generations of children, youth, women, men with disabilities in their
diversity is that let us appreciate the efforts, sacrifices and determination
that went into the development and campaigns/programmes for the adoption of the
Protocol. Use this instrument in the enforcement of your rights and ensure that
all its articles are known and utilised by all persons with disabilities.’<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b><i>The Africa Disability
Alliance Participation in the Drafting of the Protocol<o:p></o:p></i></b></div>
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The adoption of the ADP is a
product of advocacy efforts dating back to 2008. The initiative started with
the Africa Disability Alliance (ADA), <i>former Secretariat of the African
Decade of Persons with Disabilities (SADPD</i>), convening a roundtable in Cape
Town in 2011, which resulted in a Communiqué raising issues of concern on the
process undertaken by the African Union Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
(ACHPR) through its Working Group of Older Persons and Persons with
Disabilities in drafting an African Disability Protocol (ADP). This
subsequently resulted in a successful advocacy strategy that lobbied the
African Union (AU) to make the drafting process more inclusive and
participatory.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Thus, ensuring that the African
Commission in its process of developing the Protocol, ensured that the process
was progressive, participatory and inclusive. The approach included the
generation and utilization of knowledge on disability and human rights in
Africa for the purposes of developing sector position papers and
awareness-raising. Successful advocacy and lobbying work was undertaken through
the years. Several roundtable consultation sessions were held with
stakeholders, experts and disability human rights defenders across the African
continent.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The African Commission on Human
and People’s Rights at its 45<sup>th</sup> session in 2009 put in place a
process towards promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. They
established a Working Group on Older Persons and Persons with Disabilities to
develop the initial and preliminary draft of the Disability Protocol. However,
this process was not consultative. Disability experts and ADA’s mobilised
stakeholders and successfully appealed for the process to be opened for wide
consultations and for the Working Group to be made inclusive of disability ex<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="OLE_LINK5">perts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To inform the
process, </a>ADA produced a discussion report to guide the debate for and
against the African Disability Protocol. It also argued why the provisions in
an ADP must be consistent with the minimum standards set in the UN Convention
on the Right of Persons with Disabilities. In November 2011, an inclusive ACHPR
Working Group started the process of drafting the ADP.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The African Disability Protocol
(ADP) builds on the rights enshrined in the United Nations Convention on the
Rights of Persons with Disabilities and UN charter. The protocol has an African
relevance, thrust and the adoption of the ADP is a major success the Africa
Disability Alliance and its partners in spearheading and driving the rights of
persons with disabilities in Africa. The protocol reflects a legal instrument
from an African perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Article 1 of the Protocol</b>
states the purpose as ‘---<b><i>to promote, protect and ensure the full and
equal enjoyment of all human and people’s rights by all persons with
disabilities, and to ensure respect for their inherent dignity’</i></b>.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Article 2</b> covers General
Principles; <b>Article 3</b> General Obligations; <b>Article 4</b>
Non-discrimination; <b>Article 5</b> Right to Equality<b>; Article 6</b> Equal
Recognition before the Law; <b>Article 7</b> Rights to Life; Article 8 Right to
Liberty and Security of Persons; <b>Article 9</b> Harmful Practices ; <b>Article
10</b> Situations of Risk ; <b>Article 11</b> Right to Access Justice; <b>Article
12</b> Right to Live in the Community; <b>Article 13</b> Accessibility ; <b>Article
14</b> Right to Education ; <b>Article 15</b> Right to Health ; <b>Article 16</b>
Habilitation and Rehabilitation ; <b>Article 17</b> Right to Work ; <b>Article
18</b> Right to Adequate Standard of Living ; <b>Article 19</b> Right to
Participate in Political and Public Life; <b>Article 20</b>
Self-representation; <b>Article 21</b> Right to Freedom of Expression and
opinion ; <b>Article 22</b> Access to Information <b>Article 23</b> Right to
Participate in Sports, Recreation and Culture; <b>Article 24</b> Right to
Family; <b>Article 25</b> Women and Girls with Disabilities; <b>Article 26</b>
Children with Disabilities ; <b>Article 27</b> Youth with Disabilities; <b>Article
28</b> Older Persons with Disabilities; <b>Article 29</b> Duties of Persons
with Disabilities; <b>Article 30</b>. Statistics, Data and Other Surveys; <b>Article
31</b> Cooperation. The Protocol has other articles that important in the value
chain of ratification, compliance and implementation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>ADA encourages all African
countries to ratify and deposit the Protocol to the AUC in line with Articles
35-36. Without 15 countries adopting the Protocol, this law will not come into
effect.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The Africa Disability Alliance is
a technical agency that promotes the rights of persons with disabilities play
meaningful roles at as full members of an inclusive society and who have
important contributions to make to their families, communities, countries and
internationally. This includes the requirement that People with Disabilities,
as individuals and through their organizations, play a meaningful role in the
implementation, monitoring, oversight, evaluation and enforcement of
policy/legal instruments, policies and programmes that directly affect their
lives.<o:p></o:p></div>
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In order to achieve the
objectives of the Protocol, <b>we appeal to our governments, development
(cooperation) partners, the private sectors and funding/technical partners to
support the Africa Disability Alliance (ADA) and all stakeholders to ensure
ratification, adoption and implementation of the Protocol.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-60073318777932881182018-01-23T07:52:00.000-08:002018-01-23T07:52:02.696-08:00 PROMOAFRICA URGE AFRICAN JOURNALIST TO DEVELOPED INTEREST ON DISABILITY ISSUES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22S2e3pIKlm37CvIYMlK-oDG8O7F1lxeDfGa0LgRxBxqxfhAgrhLqT321LO-ZzL44SER_Nlw0B89SpyQczei-kc3Ukb9hKwDlfkvUTsJCUGs1dvB5piHz0QIvKtytT3mmR6X3_7hJ_UY/s1600/IMG_8479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj22S2e3pIKlm37CvIYMlK-oDG8O7F1lxeDfGa0LgRxBxqxfhAgrhLqT321LO-ZzL44SER_Nlw0B89SpyQczei-kc3Ukb9hKwDlfkvUTsJCUGs1dvB5piHz0QIvKtytT3mmR6X3_7hJ_UY/s320/IMG_8479.JPG" width="320" /></a>The
president of PROMOAFRICA Mr. Seth Amoah Kwaku Addi have advised African
journalists with interest in reporting on issues concerning Persons with
disabilities to seek out stories about easing symptoms that come along with a
disability instead of only reporting on efforts to decode its cause.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Speaking
at the official launching ceremony of the training manual for African
journalists on the PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS
ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA, under the theme “THINK<b> </b>ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT NOT PHYSICAL
DEFORMITY”, he admonished journalists not to only simple quotes disability
related stories from social service providers, academics and politicians and
leave out people with disabilities. Because the mantra in the disability
community is "nothing about us, without us.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He
said, many policies, including the African Disability Charter, cover a
wide range of disabilities. But in practice, people with disabilities are often
left out when is time for its implementation.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Mr.
Seth Addi further advised journalists to be aware of language that implies
negative on persons with disabilities when reporting or writing articles and
features, for example "wheelchair bound" or "suffers from. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“The
most basic rule is to use people first language. For example, "people with
disabilities," not "the disabled”.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Beware
of accommodations:</b> When
setting up an interview, be sure to ask if there are any accommodations you
might need to provide. Do you need to arrange for a translator? Will the space
you are meeting in be accessible? You may need to allow extra time for the
interview if the person uses a translator or has slow speech.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Communication: </b>If someone uses a translator,
talk to them, not the translator. Do not talk about them in the third person.
If someone has a speech impediment, never pretend to understand what they said
if you don't. It may feel uncomfortable to ask someone to repeat themselves,
but your most important responsibility is to hear what the person has to say.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Be
aware of tropes and stereotypes:</b> Common tropes include a "heroic person overcoming
a disability" or a "violent person with mental illness." When
you find yourself telling a story with this narrative, stop and check yourself
to see if that is really what it is about. Ask yourself if there is more nuance
you can include.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
PROMOAFRICA
officially launched the Journalists training manual on 23<sup>rd</sup> January
2018 at 11:00 am in Accra and stream live on our website <a href="http://www.promoafrica.blogsport.com/">www.promoafrica.blogsport.com</a>, <a href="http://www.ghananewsonline.com/">www.ghananewsonline.com</a>, <a href="http://www.todayghananews.com/">www.todayghananews.com</a> and other media
partners. The official launched was done Honorable Jeff T Kavianu, former
Member of parliament Upper Manya constituency and some major stakeholders in
the disability sector.</div>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
PROMOAFRICA
has commence a project on the PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND
PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA to reach
out to policy makers, civil society organizations, opinion leaders, traditions
and religious leaders and the media on the importance of Charter.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
The
Journalists training manual can now be accessed on the organisation’s website
for free.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Source:
PromoAfrica<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-29787602576913632352018-01-07T13:02:00.003-08:002018-01-07T13:02:53.764-08:00PROMOAFRICA TO TRAIN JOURNALISTS ON AFRICAN CHARTER ON PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES RIGHTS <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6VX0eNlndcfr-Bd3amBv7hMEJttjpxm0IyNugqR-Npnljsp_UV0Y6oQD3jRsIjq0YOcOTcpRym1nzrE0A5UcRdkAI65pyBfF_NMTvKC56TjrbDMMoN3ZMFjJivcv6QsmwjIRNBTFKT8/s1600/Seth+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm6VX0eNlndcfr-Bd3amBv7hMEJttjpxm0IyNugqR-Npnljsp_UV0Y6oQD3jRsIjq0YOcOTcpRym1nzrE0A5UcRdkAI65pyBfF_NMTvKC56TjrbDMMoN3ZMFjJivcv6QsmwjIRNBTFKT8/s320/Seth+.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
One of Africa’s
leading disability advocacy organization, PROMOAFRICA has developed a training
manual on the PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON
THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA to train journalist in Ghana
and some selected Africa countries beginning February 2018.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">According to an
end of the communique issues by the organization and publish on its website,
The Journalists network assembled a team
of knowledgeable journalists in expertise in strategic communication that came out with perfect world
class training manual that can be adopted by other disabled organizations all
over Africa. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Mr. Seth Addi,
who is the President of PromoAfrica, explained that, it has become necessary
for journalists in Ghana and Africa to be educated on the PROTOCOL OF THE
AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN AND PEOPLES’ RIGHTS ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES IN AFRICA, to enable them lead its advocacy, ratification and
implementations. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">He said, Heads of State and Government of the
Member States of the African Union African will meet at the first quarter of
this year to adopt the charter, to pave way for persons with disabilities across
the continent to have right to special measures of protection in keeping with
their physical or moral needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Mr. Seth Addi
also mentioned that, the project is being undertaken by PromoAfrica’s own
internally generated funds and with commitments from Journalists with vast
interested in disability issues. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">He said,
training of journalist forms an integral part of PromoAfrica’s larger advocacy
project on the African Charter as a tool for information dissemination,
government and public engagement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">He said, The
African Charter when ratify will go a long way to further the human rights and
fundamental freedoms and universal rights of every individual recognized in
global human rights instruments, including that of persons with disabilities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">He said, henceforth, PomoAfrica is determined to
work with disability organizations and other non-governmental Organizations in Africa
to promote the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in every corner
in the continent of Africa to enable them to enjoy fully and equally human
rights and fundamental freedoms.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">PromoAfrica (The
Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Right of Persons with
Disabilities in Africa), was formed in 2006 by a group of journalists in Ghana
and other African countries to advance the plights of Persons with disabilities
(PWDs). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial",sans-serif;">Source:
PromoAfrica<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-67899116900435644882013-05-20T05:06:00.002-07:002013-05-20T05:06:13.770-07:00DISABILITY IS NO INABILITY VIDEO, A GREAT ONE THERE!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dziAp9tfZRo5Dz8lZRvJEPiJhCfwVAJL3TzXsz2olNbGsoJb3js27uWSH1KiMSKJdZ7EO19loEna05n7bS7VA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
DISAILITY IS NOT A BARRIER. WATCH THIS GREAT VIDEO </div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-34875050133248861662013-05-20T04:58:00.001-07:002013-05-20T04:58:40.959-07:00GREAT VIDEO Y MUST WATCH!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyru6OssbElL0WYJpIvUIDF55YP2CyZuCLPy_L8cvFaqzxDW4kwevvZnqWw-rNE099Q-VyL2uQzuQnPw-UWaA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">
This video is a campaign tool being used by PROMOAFRICA to all persons with disabilities across Africa to show them that disability is not a barrier but with the can do spirit and right attitude we can make the difference for ourselves and the society.</h3>
</div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-67669648126739073132012-11-24T10:26:00.000-08:002012-11-24T10:26:41.747-08:00GHANA ICT TRAINING PROJECT FOR THE DISABLED
<br />
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<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;"></span></span></span> </div>
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<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Story:Seth Addi</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The President of Ghana H.E John Dramani Mahama said his government
was committed to providing Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
skills to people with disabilities so as to contribute their quota to national
development.</span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.5pt; line-height: 115%;"><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">He said under the senior high
school computerized project, some of the graduates would be integrated into the
mainstream as ICT instructors or trainers while others would be maintained to
repair broken down computers.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">President Mahama said this at the
maiden graduation ceremony of Persons with Disability ICT Project and
distribution of Better Ghana laptops at the Accra International Conference
Centre under the auspices of rlg Communications Limited.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">He said it was not worth enrolling
people with disability and the youth in schools without providing them
employable skills to fit well into the world of work and ICT.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">He said persons with disability
should no longer associate themselves with tokenism and pettiness that sought
to undermine their dignity, respect and self-esteem.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">President Mahama said government
had repositioned itself to preparing persons with disability and students
across the educational divide with skills in ICT as part of government’s
commitment to building a Better Ghana through technology and innovation.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">He disclosed that in phase one of
the project 60,000 laptops have been distributed to teachers and students in
basic and senior high schools, nursing training colleges, colleges of
education, polytechnics and universities to promote teaching and learning in
ICT and research.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">President Mahama added that while
in phase two additional 100,000 would be distributed to basic and second cycle
schools as well as tertiary institutions, 400, 000 would be circulated in the
next four years.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">He appealed to Ghanaians,
especially the youth and other stakeholders, to work cordially with the
security agencies to have successful elections to make Ghana the model of
Africa.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">Mr Roland Agambire, Chief Executive
Officer of rlg Communications Limited, explained that rlg, in partnership with
the Ministry of Employment and Social Welfare, launched the Persons with
Disability ICT Project aimed at equipping them with ICT skills for the
contemporary world. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="peacecontenttext11"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-font-size: 12.5pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.5pt;">Mr Agambire challenged the youth to
follow their dreams, saying: “dream and you will succeed; the only disability
in life is bad attitude.”</span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpUTOlY5HZdOlJ2AQGu9tO4AAkkFm95dznFatEyXyRAmMl9hyphenhyphenUv3zO8k49ifMoY4jCqpoGagG-zgPRCr_JNenGQWb7ne-SUg7BzXu8l6lCK7CV0oOznV-DXKpqR2UGN20iGXP2m7B1b8/s1600/JOHN-MAHAMA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcpUTOlY5HZdOlJ2AQGu9tO4AAkkFm95dznFatEyXyRAmMl9hyphenhyphenUv3zO8k49ifMoY4jCqpoGagG-zgPRCr_JNenGQWb7ne-SUg7BzXu8l6lCK7CV0oOznV-DXKpqR2UGN20iGXP2m7B1b8/s1600/JOHN-MAHAMA.jpg" height="192" width="320" /></a></div>
PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-62983479894360506442012-02-28T04:30:00.000-08:002012-02-28T04:30:08.369-08:00DISGRACEFUL STORY ABOUT A DISABLED PERSON IN GHANA<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="color: black; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><strong>24 year old physically challenged turns to hunting to survive</strong></span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnGAKgH_l_4T9AfjwHjoivcokdqRttJUFFePrvEO7r0fztw-SJTZgnVWnnJKtzXgIQBXbs4lX2PBcs9_4og58TctsnYJi-iCALoPmfaBwXL_OXORJIomlFtZ2SHcQC7MwmCV4ELHj4w4/s1600/834323205_583382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="166" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnGAKgH_l_4T9AfjwHjoivcokdqRttJUFFePrvEO7r0fztw-SJTZgnVWnnJKtzXgIQBXbs4lX2PBcs9_4og58TctsnYJi-iCALoPmfaBwXL_OXORJIomlFtZ2SHcQC7MwmCV4ELHj4w4/s320/834323205_583382.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">It is a common thing to see able bodied men go into the bush to hunt for animals.<br />
However, it will shock you to learn that 24 year old physically challenged Mclean Atsu Dzidzienyo who lives in Dodowa in the Dangbme West District of Greater Accra and crawls, has taken to hunting as a means of survival.<br />
<br />
Atsu, as he is fondly called, also rears grass-cutter and has over 40 of the bush meat at his farms but goes to hunt for more to make ends meet.<br />
He just completed an Accounting course in one of the Polytechnics, currently doing his national service with the Centre for Employment for Persons with Disability, a local NGO.<br />
<br />
Mclean Dzidzienyo is one of 20 PWDs sponsored to undertake a week’s training in free range poultry production at the Youth Leadership Training Institute in Afienya, by Tycriss Live Stock Farms in partnership with the National Youth Authority.<br />
<br />
Atsu who is also a member of Ghana’s contingent to last year’s All Africa Games in Maputo, revealed that he usually goes on the hunting expedition with his friends.<br />
<br />
“They chase the animals towards my direction and I clock my gun and shoot at them. There is no mountain here in Dodowa that I haven’t climbed or hunted on. One day I caught a pregnant grass-cutter alive and I took it home and kept it in a cage till it delivered. I also caught a male and took home to keep in the cage and now I have 45 of them that I keep with the help of my mother,” Atsu told Adom News’ Jerry Tsatro Mordy.<br />
<br />
He also demonstrated how he sometimes climbed tall trees to scan the bush and tell his friends where the animals may be hiding. <br />
<br />
He said he is motivated to do many exploits to encourage others in similar condition that they should not let their situation limit them.<br />
<br />
“I do everything myself, I walk about 400 metres to my farm in Dodowa and I can carry two buckets of water at the same time to some distance. I don’t want to see myself being a burden to my mother”, he stressed.<br />
<br />
He disclosed plans to do a documentary, as a way of encouraging other PWDs particularly those begging for alms on the streets to acquire some skills and make life better for themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div></div>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-5869429164336286782012-02-11T09:23:00.000-08:002012-02-11T09:23:18.507-08:00ARTICLE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">CAN PERSONS WITH DISABILITY LIVE ON PARADISE ON EARTH? (1)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">By: Amoah Kwaku Addi, back from Germany<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Can persons with disabilities live on Paradise on earth? If this question was put to me somewhere last year 2011, my answer will be a definite NO, taking into consideration where I come from, Ghana, where persons with disabilities were the poorest and live in total misery and lacks opportunities.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But my recent visit to the v. Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel in Bielefeld in Germany, I can answer the affirmative and said, yes with the right support, commitment, will from government, good social welfare system like what pertains in Bethel , persons with disabilities can live on paradise on earth. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bethel has the believe that if you put community into practice, Healthy or ill, disabled or not they are convinced at that all persons can live, learn and work together in their diversity as a natural fact of life. </span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However, many persons depend on assistance, accompaniment and support so that they can live a self-determining life of dignity to the greatest extent possible. In this Bethel community they have more than 15,000 employees committed to the welfare and upkeep of persons with disability. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every day, they put the Christian mandate of brotherly love into practice in Berlin, in Bielefeld and at many other locations where a paradise was created for persons with disabilities. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The word “Bethel” is derived from Hebrew and means “House of God”. This name forms the basis of the agenda at the v. Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel in its capacity as Europe’s largest Christian social welfare services facility with a annual budget of 900 million Euros derives from donation, support from individuals, sales from donated items, collection and sales. of stamps. </span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bethels assistance programs for persons with epilepsy are one example of Bethel’s endeavor, from its founding to the present, to develop advanced services for persons in need, i.e. persons in need who were previously left alone to fend for themselves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bethels main fields of work, in addition to the treatment of epilepsy, cover care for disabled individuals, senior citizens’ care, assistance for young people, assistance for the homeless, work and rehabilitation, psychiatry and providing medical care at hospitals for the acutely ill. They have recently expanded their range of services to include persons with acquired brain damage, therapy programs for persons with autistic disturbances and hospice work. A total of approximately 180,000 persons are treated, supported, trained or counseled each year via Bethel’s range of services. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bethels desire is to offer the greatest degree of self-determinant living to persons who rely on their assistance and support. Expanding the range of out-patient services is therefore the predominate goal at the Bethel community. The communities still remain intact, and they offer to many disabled persons an optimal environment for living, working and simply being human. </span></div><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Bethel was established in 1867 as a home for children and young people suffering from epilepsy. Pastor Friedrich von Bodelschwingh took over the home’s management and expanded the small institution in Bielefeld into a differentiated and broadly diversified offer of assistance. Bethel is indeed unique in terms of the diversity of its fields of work. Yet it is primarily the support of many friends and supporters that makes wide range of work possible for people who need help and create a place they can call home. </span><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></b><br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">HOW THIS PARADISE WAS CREATED FOR PWDS<o:p></o:p></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Bethel Institution</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, officially call the <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">v. Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel</span> is a diaconal i.e. Protestant charitable hospital for the mentally ill in </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bielefeld" title="Bielefeld"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Bielefeld</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germany" title="Germany"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Germany</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></b></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This paradise came about during the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nazi_Germany" title="Nazi Germany"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Nazi Germany</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> era, staff at the institution was mainly in opposition to the </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Socialist_German_Workers_Party" title="National Socialist German Workers Party"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">National Socialist</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> party's </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/T-4_Euthanasia_Program" title="T-4 Euthanasia Program"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">T-4 Euthanasia Program</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">. In 1940, </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adolf_Hitler" title="Adolf Hitler"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Adolf Hitler</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ordered the gassing of all mental patients. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But the director of the hospital, pastor </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friedrich_von_Bodelschwingh" title="Friedrich von Bodelschwingh"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Friedrich von Bodelschwingh</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">, resisted, saying <span style="mso-bidi-font-style: italic;">"You can put me into a concentration camp if you want, that is your affair. But as long as I am free, you do not touch one of my patients. I cannot change to fit the times or the wishes of the Fuehrer. I stand under orders from our Lord Jesus Christ."</span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This statement by pastor Friedrich Von Bodelschwingh gave birth to the Bethel community that </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">live in a colorful society composed of young and old, healthy, ill or disabled persons. Bethel’s facilities and services provide professional competency in many sectors; so that each person receives the kind of assistance that he or she needs till date.<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Friedrich von Bodelschwingh wrote in 1882: “It is always more merciful to give work to a person capable of working than to give him alms; the former lifts him, the latter dishonors him.” From this train of thought the v.Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel has developed an impressive array of assistance programs for work, occupational rehabilitation and promoting skills in various occupations. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Individuals with disabilities and persons with mental or social impairments as well, will discover opportunities in the Bethel Workshops for training, employment and rehabilitation. Specialized integration services place disadvantaged persons on the general job market. Long-term unemployed persons may participate in occupational qualification programs in their workshops. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bethel assumes a special role in assisting persons with epilepsy via its special rehabilitation hospital and its vocational training center. The clinic was the first of its kind in Germany in 1997, and the vocational training center continues as the only facility that has specialized in training younger persons with epilepsy. Disabled persons and individuals with mental illnesses are also being admitted to the center and also for training to gain employment in the community. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bethel has established a range of services for elderly retired persons with disabilities. They often have difficulty in keeping themselves busy, developing hobbies and maintaining social contacts after their working life has ended. We also have senior citizen day centers that enable elderly persons to enjoy a fulfilling life within the community. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Bethel and its range of services for work and occupational rehabilitation are present in the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Lower Saxony, Bremen, Berlin and Brandenburg. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More to come <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Author is the President of the Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA), and Managing Editor of the EVENING TRIBUNE NEWSPAPER.<o:p></o:p></span></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9st6ryTiU25jAD6Dt62o5yIHCxUk14wOQT-2qS3J6_f2Tf-L-eehuiydeCu0ebLK1pNVQdD_KI-zR5PN0HS_536NinaflLABMFirhcUdINAO111nyzSa3-dgDFdez6get5_-o7vQ_6t4/s1600/one+of+the+playing+ground+for+PWDS+in+Bethel.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9st6ryTiU25jAD6Dt62o5yIHCxUk14wOQT-2qS3J6_f2Tf-L-eehuiydeCu0ebLK1pNVQdD_KI-zR5PN0HS_536NinaflLABMFirhcUdINAO111nyzSa3-dgDFdez6get5_-o7vQ_6t4/s320/one+of+the+playing+ground+for+PWDS+in+Bethel.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Contact:Promoafrica@gmail.com </span></i><br />
<h1 style="margin: 0.67em 0in;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; font-weight: normal; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><o:p></o:p></span> </h1></div>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-7222620575276088582011-10-28T03:33:00.000-07:002011-10-28T03:33:07.732-07:00JOURNALISTS TO UNDERGO AN INSTITUTIONAL STUDY TOUR TO GERMANY<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2bFeIhandbpjO_y2PPdn-3_PUkoKnXfQdPinSwl_m-PAYJGaZ5ApNDlYAUkNoS3KhyDbXcn7pExuG13OWuHIY4W6i_7TtDB5vt0CkVrUp8cihPZgQmxHjK2PTcp0WJvHfV4bZZO0mv4/s1600/MR+ADDI+PICTURE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ2bFeIhandbpjO_y2PPdn-3_PUkoKnXfQdPinSwl_m-PAYJGaZ5ApNDlYAUkNoS3KhyDbXcn7pExuG13OWuHIY4W6i_7TtDB5vt0CkVrUp8cihPZgQmxHjK2PTcp0WJvHfV4bZZO0mv4/s320/MR+ADDI+PICTURE.JPG" width="228" /></a></div><span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: DE;">The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>v.Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel Dankort Bielefeld Germany, has invited the executives of the Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Dsabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA) for a study tour to their facility, from 9th to 16th January 2012.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: DE;">The Promoafrica delegation which would be in germany for one week will be led by its Presiedent Mr. Amoah Kwaku Addi and the Executive Secretary Mrs.Nyarkoah Amponsah Mariam. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span lang="DE"></span><br />
<span lang="DE">The v.Bodelschwingh Foundation Bethel was established in 1867 as a home for children and young people suffering from epilepsy. Pastor Friedrich von Bodelschwingh took over the home’s management and expanded the small institution in Bielefeld into a differentiated and broadly diversified offer of assistance. Bethel is indeed unique in terms of the diversity of its fields of work. </span><br />
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<span lang="DE" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: DE;">The PROMOAFRICA study tour and institutional learning, which is being sponsored by the National Council on Persons with Disability and Vista Finacial Services based in Dansoman in Accra, is a v.Bodelschwingh Foundations contribution toward PROMOAFRICA,s preparation</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> to advocate for the passage of the Ghana Mental Health Bill from March to July 2012, under the DANIDA Flex Fund mini grant project to the Ghana Federation of the Disabled. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">According to the invitation PROMOAFRICAs competencies to handle such a project cannot be over emphasized, as it has track records in similar events with a proven record of advocating for the passage of the National Disability law, Act 715 and the formation of the National Council on Persons with Disability in Ghana.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span lang="DE">“We believe this opportunity would assist you, as journalists and lead advocates for persons with disabilities to have the full knowledge and competences to lobby the Parliament of Ghana to pass the Ghana Mental Health Bill into law in order to benefit patience with mental illness in Ghana and Africa” </span><br />
<span lang="DE"></span><br />
<span lang="DE">The Bethel have recently expanded its range of services to include persons with acquired brain damage, therapy programs for persons with autistic disturbances and hospice work. A total of approximately 180,000 persons are treated, supported, trained or counseled each year via Bethel’s range of services. </span><br />
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">With a desire is to offer the greatest degree of self-determinant living to persons who rely on our assistance and support and also offer to many disabled persons an optimal environment for living, working and simply living. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">It will recalled that Mr. Addi together with the President of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled Mr. Yaw Ofori Debrah, were the guest of the German Central Library when they attained World Braille Congress at Leipzig, from the 27<sup>th</sup> to 30<sup>th</sup> September at the Leipzig University, when Mr. Addi delivered a paper on the human rights abused of children born with disabilities in Ghana in Hannover, Bielefeld and Frankfurt. <o:p></o:p></span>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-80652900522781149162011-10-17T13:11:00.000-07:002011-10-17T13:11:02.253-07:00DEFORMED CHILDREN ARE BEING KILLED IN GHANA<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Three-year old John the Baptist, who hails from Gnani, a community in the Yendi Municipality of the Northern Region, was born with a vein defect.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the age of two, John’s parents wrapped him in white cloths and left him beside a public refuse dump. His condition was bad because his neck and legs were fragile and could neither sit nor stand due to the vein defect.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">John’s situation was not different from four-year old Makpato whose parents decided to kill her due to her inability to talk at the age of three.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What John and Makpato passed through is unfortunately the ordeal many children who are born with defects are subjected to in communities such as Saboba, Wodando, Zabzugu, Tatale and Bimbilla. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The common belief among some communities in the North is that children born with deformities are “spirit children” who are evil or a taboo to be sheltered and catered for.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A painstaking information gathered by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) indicates that such babies have distinguished features like, beard, pubic hair, double sex organs (hermaphrodites), protruding eyes, abnormally large head or inability to talk and walk after they hit three to six years.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Other children who bear societal stigma are those who constantly bite their mother’s breast during breast feeding, are born during famine or whose mothers die during delivery. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It is alleged that most of these children are killed or abandoned to their fate. In some instances, poisonous concoctions are forced down their throat after which, they are abandoned in a grove or forest to die. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The parents and relatives of these children have no say with regards to the killing of these children because it is a communal belief which needed to be complied with.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Asked about the cause of such deformities, Dr Anthony Amankwah Amponsem, Paediatric Consultant at Tamale Teaching Hospital said genetic factors, congenital maternal disease and infections, age of a mother, radiation as well as social habits like alcoholism could affect the development of a fertilised ovum. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Most the deformities occur during the first three months of the pregnancy during which most of the body organs are formed. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Birth defects could happen even if partners have no such history in their families or had given birth to healthy children in the past.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">These defects, Dr Amponsah said could be prevented while some could be corrected if spotted early. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">At the turn of the century, Ghana, along with 189 UN member countries adopted the Millennium Declaration that laid out the vision for a world of common values and renewed determination to achieve peace and decent standards of living for every man, woman and child.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our nation was the first West Africa country that rectified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, which was adopted and opened for signature, ratification and accession by General Assembly resolution 44/25 of 20 November 1989 with article 49.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Article 23 clause one, the convention mandates States Parties to recognise that a mentally or physically disabled child should enjoy a full and decent life, in conditions which ensure dignity, promote self-reliance and facilitate the child's active participation in the community. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The clause two states that, “States Parties recognise the right of the disabled child to special care and shall encourage and ensure the extension, subject to available resources, to the eligible child and those responsible for his or her care, of assistance for which application is made and which is appropriate to the child's condition and to the circumstances of the parents or others caring for the child”. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The third paragraph also explained that “Recognising the special needs of a disabled child, assistance extended in accordance with paragraph 2 of the present article shall be provided free of charge, whenever possible, taking into account the financial resources of the parents or others caring for the child, and shall be designed to ensure that the disabled child has effective access to and receives education, training, health care services, rehabilitation services, preparation for employment and recreation opportunities in a manner conducive to the child's achieving the fullest possible social integration and individual development, including his or her cultural and spiritual development .<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the national front the Sub-Part I – Rights of the child and parental duty of Ghana’s Children’s Act 1998 Act 560 enacted by Parliament spells out how a disabled child should be treated by the parent or care takers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The section 10 clause (1) and (2) says: “No person shall treat a disabled child in an undignified manner. A disabled child has a right to special care, education and training wherever possible to develop his maximum potential and be self-reliant.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The punishment for offenders of the regulation is that, “Any person who contravenes a provision of this Sub-Part commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding GH¢5 million or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year or both.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A study conducted by the GNA indicates that these laws are either not adhered to or implementation is weak. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">An interaction with the parents of one of the deformed victims at Wodando, a community close to Wapuli in the Chereponi District with the GNA revealed widespread belief in the long held tradition that if a “ spirit child” is not killed the entire village would suffer a curse. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This custom emboldens parents to harm their deformed children, says Rev. Fr Cletus Akosah who runs a charity for rescued children.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A girl who was the 13th child of her parents could not alter a word when she was growing up compelling her mother to seek both medical and traditional means to deal with the situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“When I took her to Wapuli clinic the doctor who diagnosed her said she has frenulum between her tongue and the floor of her lower jaw, which hinder her speech. This has to be removed before she can speak. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The doctor said my child is normal. There is nothing wrong with her,” she said.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She said after all efforts have been made to cure her child had failed, people were claiming that they see her in their dreams trying to harm them.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I had to yield to the community’s tradition that my child is a spirit child and need to be killed or else my family would be banished from the community.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Rev. Fr. Peter Jabaab Aoyaja of the Gnanie, Good Shepherd Rectorate, told the GNA that he had often threatened people who wanted to kill these children with police arrest.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Within six weeks he was able to rescue about four children from his area saying, “It is becoming alarming. The issue of killing children with defect is serious; government should partner religious bodies and non-governmental organisations to curtail these practices as early as possible”.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr John Ankrah Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, in an interview with the GNA described the issue as child molestation and right denial.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is the first time am hearing of this issue and is not good in this 21st century. Even if children are deformed, they have the right to live.”<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said his outfit would source funding to embark on social education in the various communities, adding “my office does not even have a vehicle to go to the field”. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Mr Abdul-Razak Alhassan, Acting Regional Director of the Department of Child, reiterated that it is a criminal offence under the Child Act 560 and the UN Convention on Right of a Child for a parent, persons or group of persons to kill a child with defects in the name of beliefs and practices.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He called for synergy between the Domestic Violence and Victims Support Unit (DOVVSU) of the Ghana Police Service, Department of Social Welfare, Department of Community Development and Department of Children that have the oversight responsibility of child protection to work effectively.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">With regards to child’s growth and behaviour, Mr Alhassan Mustapha, a Psychology lecturer, at the Medical School of the University of Development Studies told GNA that children who have deformities could exhibit signs of aggressiveness and may hate their parents and strangers as they grow. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“This is because the communal bond with the family was cut off from such people throughout their life.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">About 30 of the social outcasts have been rescued and temporarily housed by one Rev. Sr. Stan Therese Mario Mumuni, at Sang, 70 miles from the Regional capital, Tamale.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">She told GNA that, unfortunately, the home was almost full to capacity and there is little hope that many more children may be accommodated in the foreseeable future. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“The children are brought almost every two to four weeks”. I think no child must die because of crude custom but must live for Christ,” she said. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Chief Inspector Ebenezer Preprah, in-charge of DOVVSU in Yendi told GNA in an interview that the act of killing deformed children is a serious offence under the section 46 of the criminal code, which constitutes murder.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">He said a person or any group of persons who flout this law commit a criminal offence punishable by death. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We have not had any official report yet and if we do an arrest will be affected,” he warned. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Worldwide, physically challenge persons such as Miss Jessica Cox, a pilot and world acclaimed motivational speaker, Mr Ivor Kobbina Greenstreet, of the Convention People’s Party, had excelled in their fields of endeavour and continue to make meaningful contribution in their countries. <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Should the authorities therefore look on as talented children are killed because they are deformed or in the name of traditional believes? <o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God has a plan for everyone in this world and every human being counts.<o:p></o:p></span></div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVrNXzRzJ8RBChENStAjyradAPPfr1ctdxQt42ffODZ71u352fcp2WGek7DSP5QkKQzs9zc2dkAz9iWVd1XQWaa_R9qYIU840ccSqyDgQJV7rA3UoL5c-5qBGrXUdvinbN42cko-zoew/s1600/deformed++children.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNVrNXzRzJ8RBChENStAjyradAPPfr1ctdxQt42ffODZ71u352fcp2WGek7DSP5QkKQzs9zc2dkAz9iWVd1XQWaa_R9qYIU840ccSqyDgQJV7rA3UoL5c-5qBGrXUdvinbN42cko-zoew/s1600/deformed++children.jpg" /></a></div>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-39653189141411064812011-10-17T12:30:00.000-07:002011-10-17T12:30:06.283-07:00PRESS RELEASE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvLwe8nDnECDfQQ0goUC82Ch14J3W_1aYBplcTEpkwb4ccZultqQ-4N46H0NGwtQmKFTNgY3eo-ToR3ijf9cnjTf_xuGwjVsxJdetAIaedWemlVKybmMZUuW_yk-TuOAQkp5EvBexQbw/s1600/Atta-Mills.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyvLwe8nDnECDfQQ0goUC82Ch14J3W_1aYBplcTEpkwb4ccZultqQ-4N46H0NGwtQmKFTNgY3eo-ToR3ijf9cnjTf_xuGwjVsxJdetAIaedWemlVKybmMZUuW_yk-TuOAQkp5EvBexQbw/s320/Atta-Mills.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">GOVERNMENT, THE DISABLED AND THE NEW FOOT BRIDGES<o:p></o:p></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA), wish to draw<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Governments attention of the omission of its commitment to provide the necessary structures to aid persons with disabilities with regard to the various new footbridges being constructed from the Tetteh Quashie Roundabout to Mallam Junction.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">A fact finding mission carried out by PROMOAFRICA led the President of the Network, Mr. Amoah Kwaku Addi, executive members and reporters to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Abofun , Akweteyman, Nyamekye junction, Kata Hostel, Kwashieman and Mallam junction indicates that the accessibility, welfare and concerns of persons with disabilities and persons with old age were not taken into consideration in construction of these new facilities. Hence they are not accessible to this category of persons.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">Promoafrica sees it very strange that the NDC government that prides itself with social democratic philosophy, (the mantra of being pro-poor) will ignore or exclude persons with disabilities in such a simple issue as accessibility and freedom of movement.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">We are hereby, through this press release, appealing to the president, H.E John Atta Mills and the Minister of Roads and Highways to take urgent steps to correct the anomalies and factor in the concerns and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in future development projects since this category of citizens constitute ten percent of the population and plays active part in the developmental processes of this country. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><strong>Amoah Kwaku Addi</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong> President-PROMOAFRICA</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong> Contact 0267457253</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-38252861713534810412011-07-14T09:20:00.000-07:002011-07-14T09:20:12.872-07:00SOCIAL AND SEXUAL AWARENESS, THE PERSPECTIVE OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES<strong><span style="font-size: large;">Social and Sexual Awareness, the Perspective of Persons with Disabilities</span></strong><br />
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By: Amoah Kwaku Addi<br />
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Sexual awareness is normal. Sexual feelings are normal, and there are many ways of expressing one's sexuality. If a person has a disability, it does not change any of this. What often changes is the socialization that provides the foundation for sexual identity.<br />
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In Ghana , persons with disabilities are sometimes oppressed and treated as less than someone without an identifiable disability. This can have a profound impact on the individual's self-identity. Often, people with developmental disabilities feel they are bad or that something is wrong with them. By extension, they can feel that their normal sexual feelings are also bad or wrong. Humans' sexual drive is a primary drive; it is not optional. We have a sexual drive as long as we have enough to eat, drink, and sleep; and we are not under undue stress.<br />
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Many of my of my disabled friends have told me in confidence that having sex with someone is the only time they feel normal. They have a job that they know a "normal" person would not have. They cannot drive. They are not free to go where they want, when they want. They always have to tell someone where they are and who they are with. They feel like they are treated like a child. <br />
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Children with disabilities, in the early years, we give them information on being a boy or a girl. It is also helpful to give them correct names for their body parts including penis, vagina and anus. These terms should be taught using relaxed and open language.<br />
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Whatever words you choose, they will best serve a child by imparting the notion that sexual feelings are wonderful and very personal. Bath time is also a good time to teach body awareness including the need to treat one's body with respect. Based on my experience, I believe this can be taught, regardless of the identified level of disability.<br />
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If we allow the child's disability to keep him from teaching these concepts, then we will leave him/her vulnerable. Just as children learn to eat, drink, sleep, and deal with fear, they can learn to express their sexuality. In fact, children need appropriate support to express themselves sexually; and this support includes information about appropriate boundaries and various ways to show regard for one's self.<br />
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Teenagers and Adults with disability, by the time they move into their teens, they will experience changes in their bodies that are reflected in their sexuality. They will begin to experience orgasms. They will grow pubic and underarm hair. Overall body hair will change. A young man's voice will change. A young woman will begin to menstruate. Imagine going through these changes without knowing the names of body parts, without the preparation of anticipating change, and without the awareness that someone trusted is available if he/she has any questions. This type of information helps these individuals know that they are not "falling apart" and that they can ask questions. It is not enough to just wait and then tell someone "oh, by the way, ask if you have questions."<br />
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After a young woman begins menstruation, she is old enough for regular vaginal exams. Many will be terrified of these exams. Women with disabilities often need training on how to breath during an exam, how to relax the vaginal muscles, and how to be assertive with the physician in order to go through exams without being medicated. Women who do not speak can be taught to use gestures to tell the doctor to "stop" or "wait."<br />
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Women are abused sexually at alarming rate, however, women who have a disability appear to be abused even more. While accurate statistics are difficult to obtain, it is certain that all women and men with disabilities need to be aware of their healthy sexual options; and they need to know what to do if faced with sexual abuse or sexual contact that makes them uncomfortable.<br />
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Unfortunately, some people are victimized sexually because they value the feeling of sexual activity. If we can recognize the power of an abusive relationship because of one’s sexual feelings, we will be better able to support people in developing ways to discriminate respectful relationships that can grow and benefit both people.<br />
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Adult men and women who have disabilities may or may not be aware of their own attractiveness and how they present themselves to others. Women who have a disability may want to shave their legs in the summer. Men may want to experiment with hairstyles. Both may want to decide what looks best on them. This may seem trivial, but it is important; it allows them to deal with the world.<br />
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Some individuals with disabilities may need specific instructions about social expectations. Some manners, ways of conversing, or sexual mores may not have meaning for them in the same way a person without autism might experience them. For these individuals, it is important to provide them with ample information about social rituals and boundaries. Role playing, discreet reminders when in public, and lots of practice are helpful.<br />
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People are sexual beings. It is not a choice or an option. It is a truth. The best sex education is a full awareness of social skills, boundaries, sexual expression, and expectations.<br />
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The author is the president of the network of journalists for the promotion of the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA), email:promoafrica@gmail.com Tel:0233 267457253<br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFGxNhZj3UZ0sdbngnG8577nsALpDWayHDU1osnQpAKbSdVlEA1lLu0_IGzkQGQOopFRZQHLvVBH-Br0l5m2Q3I3lx2WLFLC0BGROwVkhPjSpG2hTkWjbAm6r-JmMXU6bdmpk1jPy-jk/s1600/PWD+PICTURE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" m$="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFGxNhZj3UZ0sdbngnG8577nsALpDWayHDU1osnQpAKbSdVlEA1lLu0_IGzkQGQOopFRZQHLvVBH-Br0l5m2Q3I3lx2WLFLC0BGROwVkhPjSpG2hTkWjbAm6r-JmMXU6bdmpk1jPy-jk/s320/PWD+PICTURE.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-7456071102593692132011-05-31T14:19:00.000-07:002011-05-31T14:19:16.024-07:00GHANA TO HOST AFRICAN NATIONS AMPUTEE FOOTBALL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><em><strong>The president of the Amputee Football Federation of Africa (AFFA) Mr. Francis Adjetey Sowa has officially launch, the hosting of the campionship in Accra Ghana .</strong></em></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><strong><em>The campionship will take place in Accra from october to</em> november 2011.</strong></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhDJ-XRGlAR5y7IpsMBIHpsjiKNBs3dnBzqQrbRFAwARPu91eycJbwt3P3xA0kP2CVinIESaVXHPO7R6iyUpQNFY0Co4Ssi79W74TH-cvS3YVLlOWKngnwVBgzcMNmsx-HL1Flm6kumo/s1600/DSCI0179.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEhDJ-XRGlAR5y7IpsMBIHpsjiKNBs3dnBzqQrbRFAwARPu91eycJbwt3P3xA0kP2CVinIESaVXHPO7R6iyUpQNFY0Co4Ssi79W74TH-cvS3YVLlOWKngnwVBgzcMNmsx-HL1Flm6kumo/s320/DSCI0179.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFsWhKSqtp93bkVSzqOQZt1vI01aU_XhB8NkqnWPTLP8hy7mci9cUcCVzH0g8-DUZGdAvIDv1DLFTodOK_z7-GQhia4qWf8Mx1JJ3gtPjH2Qts9-YEmfp-o9-lPkjCssq90bHPADG204/s1600/DSCI0185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKFsWhKSqtp93bkVSzqOQZt1vI01aU_XhB8NkqnWPTLP8hy7mci9cUcCVzH0g8-DUZGdAvIDv1DLFTodOK_z7-GQhia4qWf8Mx1JJ3gtPjH2Qts9-YEmfp-o9-lPkjCssq90bHPADG204/s320/DSCI0185.JPG" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-8684188870149005072011-05-30T13:03:00.000-07:002011-05-30T13:03:01.218-07:00PROMOAFRICA PARTITION PARLIAMENT OVER "THE BLIND CANNOT BE PRESIDENT STATEMENT" BY AN MP<strong>PETITION</strong><br />
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<strong><br />
</strong><br />
<strong>TO: Speaker of Parliament of Ghana and Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings</strong><br />
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<strong>CC: General Secretary, NDC, Chairman, National House of Chiefs CHAIRMAN, National Council on Persons with Disability and the president, Ghana Federation of the Disable</strong><br />
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</strong><br />
<strong>FROM: PROMOAFRICA and GHANA Blind Union Youth and Students Wing. (GBUYSW)</strong><br />
<strong>SUBJECT: DEMAND FOR THE REMOVAL OF HON. MICHAEL TEYE NYAUNU</strong><br />
<strong>DATE: 31st May 2011</strong><br />
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<strong><span style="font-size: large;">INTRODUCTION:</span></strong><br />
The Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of persons with Disabilities in Africa and the Ghana Blind Union Youth and Students Wing wishes to respectfully submit this petition in respect of the derogatory remarks made by Hon. Michael Teye Nyaunu concerning the sight of the president Mills which suggest and connote that blind persons can not work effectively and therefore should not become president. We, [PROMOAFRICA and GBUYSW] however demand his removal as the Coordinator of the Nana Konadu Campaign team or an apology from the said Hon. without any further delay.<br />
<strong><span style="font-size: large;">ISSUES:</span></strong><br />
The Campaign Coordinator of the Nana Konadu for 2012 team, Michael Teye Nyaunu, has been captured on tape telling NDC Party delegates that President Mills’s failing sight has allowed the people surrounding him such as Ato Ahwoi to take control and act like the ones truly running the country.<br />
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The MP for Lower Manya constituency is heard explicitly telling delegates that President Mills is virtually blind and incapable of running his Government.<br />
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The existence of the tape was first published by the Enquirer newspaper. The Enquirer reported that the former first lady and Mr Nyaunu were addressing delegates of Ablekuma North, South and Central at Extima Hotel at Mataheko in Accra on Monday May 23, 2011 when he made the comments.<br />
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According to Mr Nyaunu, his claims are from an ‘insider’s report’ which he feels hesitant to expose to the public because he wants to protect the NDC’s image towards the 2012 elections.<br />
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Mr Nyaunu also asserted that President Mills can’t read any document brought to him for scrutiny at the Castle.<br />
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“He (President Mills) can’t read any letter from anybody; that is the situation, he can’t read anything. He has an eye problem. Why is he not reading speeches? He speaks extempore.” <br />
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"We are telling you how serious the thing is. Let me tell you, a lot of the people surrounding him have taken control. Every Minister is a President in his regard (sic), nobody is controlling them. They are all on their own.”<br />
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“The only thing you will hear is that Ato Ahwoi and P.V would say that they are sacking somebody. Ato Ahwoi is the President. This is the extent to which we are going but we can’t say this in public”.<br />
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In an interview with Citi News on Thursday May 26, 2011 Mr Nyaunu confirmed his damaging remarks on President Mills, maintaining though that the remarks were a campaign message to NDC delegates and not meant for the general public.<br />
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He denied preaching vindictiveness against the Presidency but added that he was only telling the delegates the truth in order to help them make the right decision at the NDC congress to elect a flagbearer slated for July 8-10, 2011 at the Brong Ahafo regional capital, Sunyani.<br />
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What this mean to us is that Mr Nyaunu is preaching discrimination. Thus, when one is blind, that person cannot perform his or her duties effectively. <br />
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It also mean that blind person cannot become president and that any president that become blind during his or her tenure of office needs to be removed from office. <br />
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It further suggests that Blind persons are always controlled by the people around them and are incapable of taking decisions themselves except the people around them. .<br />
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It is also against the Disability Act [Act 715] section 33:<br />
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[Derogatory Names<br />
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1. (1) A person shall not call a person with disability derogatory names because of the disability of the person.<br />
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29) A person who contravenes Subsection (1) commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months or to both.<br />
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We are therefore demanding his removal by Nana Konadu as her campaign Coordinator or apologise for his discriminatory statements.<br />
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We also call on Parliament to drag the said MP to the privileges Committee of Parliament to render an unqualified apology to Blind and Partially Sighted Persons that were affected by his unfortunate statement <br />
If these two things fail within 72 hours after the above concerns have received the petition, the members of Ghana Blind Union Youth and Students Wing shall advise themselves accordingly.<br />
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CONCLUSION:<br />
It is the expectation of the Ghana Blind Union Youth and Students Wing that our request will be favourably considered in order to remove or minimize the derogatory statements and discrimination against Persons with Disabilities. <br />
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<strong>Signed by:</strong><br />
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</strong><br />
<strong>Joseph Dwomo Ababio [General Secretary, GBUYSW]</strong><br />
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</strong><br />
<strong>Tel. 0243-617414</strong><br />
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</strong><br />
<strong>Seth Addi [President, Promoafrica] </strong><br />
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</strong><br />
<strong>Tel. 0204-557253</strong>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1167372549125072441.post-42397959572243187822011-05-30T12:24:00.000-07:002011-05-30T12:24:21.102-07:00PROMOAFRICA CONDEMN KILLING OF DISABLED PERSONS FOR RITUAL PURPOSESThe Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa (PROMOAFRICA),has condemn the killing of a hunchback woman believed to be in her early fifties in Akwatia in the Eastern Region of Ghana.<br />
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Speaking at a well attended press conference in Accra on the issue, the president of PROMOAFRICA, Mr. Amoah Kwaku Addi (Seth Addi) who led the investigation team to the area to ascertain the true situation on the ground, said The woman was killed by unknown persons on the morning of Saturday May 29, between two villages, Otwinkwanta and Adukwedum.<br />
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Mr. Addi explianed that the body of the woman, believed to have been murdered not far from where she was found, has some part of her hunchback removed as the incident has thrown the town into shock and fear, as many residents who spoke to the investigative team said the 53-year old woman may have been killed for ritual purposes.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Mr. Addi therefore called on international community and government of Ghana to support the network to enable them promote and protect persons with disabilities in Ghana as in recent times, there have been several cases of alleged ritual murders of persons with disabilities in some parts of the country.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">The most recent and prominent case, according to PROMOAFRICA President, is the arrest of three men suspected to have murdered a 12-year child with disability, Kwame Amoah, at Techiman and one other at Goaso all in the Brong Ahafo Region.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj248nHdrxVJogMIsKFtt_bj1vUpmZw_cJDWMIxfwtcWP7lJ3lWkfpqTDzUyaDNE_bui59H6FRUt5h8tFAB4YOBUzwzc7TleBF1a9GLvHuD2uoLudOrfDTSacrit8iP7MFHrCSSh76MnMU/s1600/SETH+ADDI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj248nHdrxVJogMIsKFtt_bj1vUpmZw_cJDWMIxfwtcWP7lJ3lWkfpqTDzUyaDNE_bui59H6FRUt5h8tFAB4YOBUzwzc7TleBF1a9GLvHuD2uoLudOrfDTSacrit8iP7MFHrCSSh76MnMU/s320/SETH+ADDI.jpg" t8="true" width="320" /></a></div>PROMOAFRICAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12312740784473731568noreply@blogger.com0