The National Council on Persons with Disability would like to commend the Government for being both true to its manifesto slogan of �investing in people� and its social democratic principles by ensuring a fully inclusive growth agenda. This is evidenced by the pursuit of policies that will protect the vulnerable and disadvantaged in society and give them equal opportunities.
The 2009 budget themed, Growth and Stability has highlighted government�s plans to improve education, especially, in the rural areas. Being all-inclusive, beginning in fiscal year 2010, government has pledged to provide free education to all disabled children of school going age.
NCPD, pledge to government and all Ghanaians that, acting on the mandate provided by Act 715, it shall rise to the challenge and ensure the registration process of all pwd�s is expedited and that Regional and District Centers be established to provide integrated skill and recreational facilities. Existing infrastructure meant for persons with disability will have to be refurbished to meet international standards.
Training centers needs to be equipped with ultra modern state of the art equipment to facilitate skill training and learning. Throughout history, persons with disability have been viewed as individuals who require societal protection and evoke sympathy rather than respect. The Council is a major step toward changing the perception of disability and ensures that societies recognize that all people must be provided with the opportunities to live life to their fullest potential, whatever that may be.
The 21st century should mark a shift from the thinking about disability from a social welfare concern to human right issue which acknowledges that societal barriers and prejudices are themselves disabling.
In fact, beside the obvious problem of putting a price tag on the basic human right for significant segment of the population, it is actually a good economics to ensure that persons with disability are able to live up their potential. Without obstacles in their way, PWD are employees, entrepreneurs, consumers and tax payers along with every body. In this regard the council shall interact with government to see if the 2% allocated to Districts for pwd�s can be increased to enable pwds to under major projects that will help lift up their status.
It is in this spirit that all disability movements must come together, unite and fight for common course.
We take this opportunity to call on all well meaning Ghanaians, national and international organizations, the corporate institutions, agencies and institutions to come to the aid of the Council to develop and evolve policies and programs that will inure to the benefit of persons with disability.
DUUT BONCHEL ABDULAI
(AG. EXECUTIVE SECRETARY)
NCPD
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