Accra: Mr Emmanuel Hagan, Human Resource Manager of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), has reiterated the Federation's commitment to supporting mothers of children with disabilities. He emphasized the role of the Inclusive Family Alliance, an associate organization of the GFD, which advocates for the inclusion of parents in policy discussions and ensures their concerns are raised at committee meetings.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Hagan made these remarks when representatives of the Inclusive Family Alliance honored their founder and Executive Director, Mrs Hannah Awadzi, during the Mother's Day celebration. This recognition was for her advocacy role and inspiration to parents of children with special needs. Mr Hagan assured that the GFD would not relent in pushing for parents' inclusion in the policy space.
Mrs Patience Asane, mother of a 23-year-old lady with cerebral palsy and a pioneer member of the Alliance, presented a plaque, cash, and other gifts to Mrs Awadzi on behalf of members. She mentioned that contributions were made collectively, while some members offered personal gifts. Mrs Asane encouraged parents of children with disabilities to embrace their children and unite in advocating for policies that would improve their lives and ease the journey for future parents.
Mrs Awadzi expressed profound gratitude for the gesture, stating that her heart could express her thanks better than words. She urged the special needs community to work in unity to push for policies and programs that enhance their lives.
Professor Mabel Oti-Boadi, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Ghana and a philanthropist, donated sanitary items to the parents. She appealed to the government, non-government organizations, and philanthropists to pay greater attention to the special needs community.