PROMOAFRICA COMMENDS GHANAIAN GOVERNMENT

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

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

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

THE CONSTITUTION OF THE NETWORK

OUR CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ARTICLE 13: AMENDMENTS
14. (1) Amendments to this Constitution shall be approved by consensus at a Delegates Assembly.
(2) Any proposed Amendment shall be communicated to member organizations and the Executive Board among member organizations and the Executive Board of network not less than 4 months prior to the Delegates Assembly at which it is intended to be considered.
(3) The decision to recommend a proposed constitutional amendment for the consideration of the Delegate assembly shall be made by the votes of a two- thirds majority of the executive board.

ARTICLE 14: DISSOLUTION

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

ARTICLE 15: CONFLICT RESOLUTION
16. (1) all members of the network shall attempt in good faith to negotiate a settlement to any dispute or difference that may arise.
(2) If the dispute or difference is not resolved by negotiation the members shall refer it to mediation.
(3) If the members fail to resolve the dispute or difference within 30 days of the commencement of mediation, the dispute or difference shall be referred to arbitration in accordance with the arbitration act, 1951 (Act 38).

ARTICLE 16 SANCTIONABLE CONDUCTS
17 (1) the following shall constitute grounds for sanctions;
a) Any conduct likely to bring the name or image of the network into disrepute, public ridicule or contempt;
b) Any conduct involving criminality, illegality, fraud or moral turpitude and
c) Incompetence, negligence, mismanagement or inability to perform the functions or duties of one’s office.
(2) Upon receipt of a complaint in writing in relation to any matter which constitutes a ground for sanctions from any member of the network, the Executive Board shall set up a committee of not more than five persons to enquire into the matter.
(3) The committee which shall sit in-camera shall submit a report together with its recommendations to the Executive Board within two weeks.
(4) The Executive Board shall consider the report of the committee and take such action upon it as it deems appropriate.
(5) Where a vacancy occurs as a result of the removal or suspension of an officer by the Executive Board, the network shall nominate an individual to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term of the officer removed or suspended.

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

ARTICLE 18: ANNIVERSARIES OF THE NETWORK
The following shall be observed as network anniversary dates:
a. 23rd June Founders Day
b. 23rd June National Day of the Disabled
c. 3rd December International Day of the Disabled

Promulgated 23rd June 2009

Story on 2% Common Fund for Disabled

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

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

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

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

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

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the District Chief Executive of Suhum Kraboa Coaltar District Assembly Hon. Samuel Fleischer Kwabi said, assured PWDs that the committee would not disburse any fund to any individual or group without the consent of the committee.

He pledged his commitment to make the DACF for PWDs work in line with the government’s aim of minimizing poverty among persons with disabilities, particularly those outside formal sector of employment and the enhancement of their social image through dignified labour. He therefore made a special appeal to fellow DCE to make sure that they distribute the DACF for PWDs to fulfill the ruling NDC manifesto of creating jobs and opportunities for all for a better Ghana.

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Press release

UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA SUPPORTS GHANAIAN JOURNALISTS ON DISABILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

PWDs VISIT THE PRESIDENT

In the first time in the history of Ghana, the Disability movement paid a curticy call on the Sitting president of the Republic of Ghana H.E. Prof. John Evans Atta Mills at the Castle gardens in Accra, on 5th febuary 2009.

The Deligation wes led by the president of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, Mr. Samuel Kwasi Asare, and Madam Rita Kusi Kyerema.

The visit was facilitated by the the Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa-Ghana Chapter.

On behahalf of the PWDs in Ghana, Mr. Charlse Appiagyei (In Wheel Chair) , the ADD programes manager in Ghana presented a photo potraite of the president painted by Mr. Benjamin Nyame (left in picture) to President JEA Mills. Looking on is the Vice President Hon. John Dranami Mahama, members of the GFD, Partners and the President's protocol.

BRITISH MP VISITS GHANA

Hon. Keith Hill British Member of Parliament has paid a working visit to Ghana, to work as a volunteer at the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD), to develop an advocacy paper for persons with dsabilities in Ghana.

During the visit, Hon. Keith Hill held discussions with the Parliamentary committee on disabilities, the Disability Network of Ghana and held a press encounter with the members of the Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa-Ghana Chapter at the Regency Hotel in Accra.

The local chpter President of the Network thanked him for his support and the spirit of volunteerism he exibited.

GNP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE DONATES TO NETWORK

THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE GHANA NATIONAL PARTY ((GNP), MR. OFORI AMPOFO ON THE 11TH JULY 2008 MET WITH THE NETWORK OF JOURNALISTS FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA-GHANA CHAPTER, TO EXPLAIN TO THEM HIS POLICIES AND PROGRAMMES HIS AND HIS PARTY HAS FOR PWDs IN GHANA WHEN HE BECOME'S THE NEXT PRESIDENT OF GHANA.

THE NETWORK'S DELEGATION WAS LED BY THE LOCAL CHAPTER PRESIDENT SETH KWAKU ADDI, AND MR. APPIAGYIE THE PROGRAMMES MANAGER OF ADD-GHANA. IN ATTENDANCE WERE MEMBERS OF THE NETWORK, INVITED PERSONS FROM THE VSO, GHANA FEDERATION OF THE DISABLED, THE NATIONAL MEDIA COMMISSION AND OTHER MEDIA MEN WHO ARE NOT MEMBERS OF THE NETWORK BUT CAME IN TO COVER THE PROGRAMME.

MR. OFORI AMPOFO, THE PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE GNP USE THE OCCATION TO DONATE AN ELECTRONIC MOTORISED WHEELCHAIR AND OTHER ITEMS TO THE NETWORK TO BE GIVEN TO PWDs IN GHANA WORTH $5,000.

AT SHARECARE LAUNCH!

SHARECARE Ghana, an association of people with Autoimmune disease in Ghana was launched in Accra recently under the distinguished patroage of the Ghana Collage of Physicians with realcolour and pagentory.

( Picture: Miss Mariam Amponsah Nyarkoa, secretary of the Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa-Ghana Chapter in a chart with madam Nana Yaa Agyeman, executive Director of Sharecare Ghana, who is also the wife of Mr. Haruna Atta, the Editor/publisher of Accra Daily Mail and a sister to the former first Lady Mrs. Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings.)

SHARECARE PICTURE

OUR LOCAL PRESIDENT

The local Chapter president of the Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa. Seth Kwaku Addi and Dr. Olga Krassioukova-Evnns, Executive Director of Canadian Centre on Disability Studies, attedning a workshop in Accra-Ghana.

PRACTICAL WORK

Some leading members of the Network of Journalists for the promotion of the Rights of persons with Disabilities in Africa-Ghana Chapter attending a workshop organised by the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies and the Ghana Federation of the Disabled at the Teachers Hall in Accra-Ghana on 9th June 2008.

email: promoafrica@gmail.com

MEMBERS IN A WORKSHOP

On 9th June 2008, Members of the Network of Journalists for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Africa- Ghana Chapter were invited to attend and Contribute to a workshop organised by the Canaian Centre on Disability Studies and the Ghana Federation of the Disabled on "action formulation and implementation of a common platform on the National Disability Council".

The Network members were led by the President of the local Chapterv Seth Addi, Miss Akua Boakyewaa of Hot FM, Isaac Nuamah of the Independent newspaper, Mariam Amponsah Nyakoa, secretary to the network, Clement Akoloh of Top Radio and Philip Asare of the Moment newspaper.

In the Picture includes Rita Kusi Kyeremah of the Ghana federation of the Disabled, Dr. Olga Krassioukova-Enns of the Canadian Centre on Disability Studies, Mr. Charles Appiagyei and the president of the Society of Albinoes Ghana.

HOW THE NETWORK CAME ABOUT

WHAT IS THE NETWORK OF JOURNALISTS FOR THE PROMOTION OF THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA- GHANA CHAPTER?

The Network of Journalist for the Promotion of the Rights of Persons with Disability in Africa 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.

Locally it 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 Ghana Federation with the Disabled and other organizations of persons with disabilities (OPWDs) in Ghana and Africa to active their aims and objectives.

Aims and objectives
We have the believe that;
As professional communicators, we are in a unique position to shape the public image of persons with disabilities. Media initiatives and individual journalists can help PWDs feel less isolated, while at the same time challenge negative stereotype in communities.
"For one thing, we can help some 2.3million persons with disabilities in Ghana that are often discriminated against and excluded from school, work opportunities and health services, to become more visible in society’
As long as these large groups of people (PWDs) are invisible, the inequalities experienced by them will remain largely unknown to the general public if don’t act swiftly as journalists.
Persons with disabilities should be interviewed on topical issues in our daily news reporting, and be allowed to have their own voice.

Our success so far

• We met with the all the presidential candidate contestants of the 2008 general election.
• We lobbied the political parties to include disability issues in their manifestoes.
• Two of the political parties were able to print their manifesto in Braille. (the CPP, and the NDC the current ruling party in power)
• We facilitated for the Disability movement in Ghana to pay a courtesy call on the current president less than one month in power. (1st in the history of Ghana)
• We developed Agenda 715 with VSO, and the GFD to collect signature from children with Disability to the president and parliament of Ghana.
• We are working closely with the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) and National Council of Persons with Disabilities.
• Develop the concept of the 1st African Trade Fair/ Concert for persons with Disabilities which ended 3rd December 2009 as part of the United Nation’s International Day of the Disabled. This concept has been adopted by the African Decade Secretariat of Persons with Disabilities.
• We publish help Ghana Association of the Blind to publish its newsletters.
• Did research for the GFD of the disbursement of District Assembly’s 2% Common Funds in three regions.
• Participated in the major disability conferences, workshop and training throughout the country.

Our Membership
• We have 52 member in Accra alone, (both from TV, Radio and newspaper)

• Kumasi 32 members, due to logistical constrain we are not able to reach out to journalists in other regions.
• We created our official email address and a blogsite for collective information sharing and easy communication.

Major Partners
1. VSO organised a training workshop for our members in Accra on the terminology guide and the UN convention on the Rights of PWDs. And awarded certificate of participation to us.
2. Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) is involving us in all of their major activities and has given us the needed recognitions.

Our Future plans
1. To organize “Training and mobilize journalists in all the regional capitals and other major towns in Ghana” for PWDs to have journalists in their region and districts who actually understand their needs and to work with AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE NETWORK.
2. To seek for funds to have a “Permanent office accommodation” to run in line with our constitution.
3. To Develop a simple version of the “Terminology Guide” on disability to all media houses