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.
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.
We think, the president should have told
his opponents who are pretending not to see his good works to stop that,
rather than calling them “blind and deaf”.
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 reinforce such
prejudices and stereotypes.
PROMOAFRICA, dislike 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
convention of the Rights of Persons with disabilities.
Remember, the president wasn’t
offering praises. he wasn’t admiring his opponent but was portraying them in a
negative manner.
In reference, the President wanted
to tell his opponent that they lack something, hence the usage of derogative
and offensive word connoting disabilities.
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.
Ghana has come a long way on issues
concerning the rights of persons with disabilities.
.
Long Live Ghana
Long Live the disability movement in
Ghana
Signed; Amoah Kwaku Addi
President, PROMOAFRICA
