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.
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."
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
conventions
on persons with disabilities and the National disability law.
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.
Failure
to do so in 5 working days, he will face the anger of the disability movement
in Ghana.
Signed:
Seth
Amoah Kwaku Addi
President
