Ms. Josephine Oppong-Yeboah, a Human Rights Advocate, has proposed to the Government to take steps to address the needs of persons with disability apart from their allocation from the common fund.
She said many of persons with disability were still discriminated against, especially in terms of jobs, education, which, undermined the fundamental human rights of such persons.
Ms. Oppong-Yeboah was speaking in a video conference at the just ended 16 Conference on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) held at the United Nations Headquarters, New York, United States of America.
It was on the theme: “Harmonising National Policies and Strategies with the CRPD: Achievements and Challenges.”
The Convention sought to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
Ms. Oppong-Yeboah said, “by promoting awareness and taking action to support inclusivity and equal opportunities, we can work towards a more prosperous society, where all individuals, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.”
She also urged the media to give space to people with disabilities to share their experiences to raise awareness and drive positive change in the country.
“It is important to recognise that people with disabilities have the same rights as everyone else and that they should be treated with respect, dignity, and fairness,” she noted.
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Ms. Oppong-Yeboah, who is also a gender advocate said discrimination based on disability should not be tolerated by anyone in the society since “it breeds segregation and anger.”
While she commended Ghana for its efforts in promoting the rights of people with disabilities, she said “there is still work to be done.”
She said it was a welcoming news that Ms. Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, a Ghanaian, had been elected as the new chair of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
She said the elections of Ms. Fefoame should inspire the country to do more for persons with disabilities, emphasising that it would inspire other African countries to follow suit.
GNA