Techiman: Mr Richard Akari, a physically challenged individual working at the Techiman office of the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) in the Bono East Region, has made an urgent call for the enforcement of the Disability Act. He emphasized the need for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to ensure that physical infrastructure projects are designed to be accessible for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), allowing them to easily access social services.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Akari expressed his concerns during an interview, highlighting the challenges PwDs face in accessing public offices, toilets, and washrooms due to their non-inclusive design. The Persons with Disability (PwDs) Act 2006 (Act 715) is meant to protect the rights of PwDs, specifically focusing on their right to access public places and services as outlined in sections six and seven of the Act.
Mr Akari, who relies on a wheelchair, shared his personal struggle with accessing certain public facilities, including public transportation. He lamented the inaccessibility of the Bono East Regional Coordinating Council offices and other MMDAs offices, which prevents many PwDs from accessing these essential buildings.
Mr Kingsley Amankwah, another PwD and staff member of the Techiman Metropolitan Assembly, echoed these concerns. He described accessing the Techiman Mayor's office on the fifth floor as a daunting experience for PwDs. He stressed the importance of strictly enforcing Act 715 to ensure that the rights and accessibility needs of PwDs are met.