The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) has appealed to the National House of Chiefs to initiate programmes to sensitize chiefs and traditional rulers to evaluate �outmoded customs�.
This to them will suit �our modern times as well as fit in a society where there is rule of law�.
Speaking in an interview on Peace FM�s morning show �Kokrokoo� with host Tweneboa Kodua (TK), Mr. Mr. Yaw Ofori Debrah, President, Ghana Federation of the Disabled said the National House of Chiefs should encourage the chiefs to bring about reforms in their customs according to Article 272c of the constitution of Ghana.
Article 272c of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana directs the National House of Chiefs to: �undertake an evaluation of traditional customs and usage with a view to eliminating those customs and usages that are outmoded and socially harmful�
The GFD comment follows various reactions and reservation by some chiefs who have kicked against the nomination of Dr. Henry Seidu Daannaa, a visually impaired, as Minister-designate for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs.
According to them, their customs and traditions do not allow them to interact with the disabled which include the visually impaired.
Mr. Debrah said: �persons with disability have the requisite expertise and knowledge that could be tapped for national development and nothing should be done to deprive such people. We are pleading with the chiefs to modernize some of the customs which are outmoded to suit our modern world. Chiefs in various communities are to be father for all and definitely as a leader of a community, you will have some disabled in your community you cannot seclude��
He indicated that it is sometimes demoralizing for the disabled to hear comments so denigrating from people; however, he added that the federation is not going to pay attention to them but will continue to fight social and economic justice for its members.
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