Persons with Disabilities are calling for a review of the quota of the common fund allocated to them. The review, they indicate, has become necessary to enable them procure basic sanitary items during this COVID-19 period.
On Tuesday, the Ghana Blind Union also made a similar appeal to government to review the use of the common fund indicating the association’s preference for cash than the items the assembly procures for them.
The Central Regional President of the Ghana Federation Union of Disability, Mr. George Frimpong says, the review is needful as the dire economic situation of PWDs prevents them from acquiring the necessary items to help them stay safe during the pandemic.
He reiterates the fact that they need “certain basic necessities like face masks, sanitizers, hand gloves, veronica buckets and other accessories to facilitate our normal daily lives during this COVID-19 period.”
He added that “the district assembly common fund should be given to us in cash at least to purchase some PPE and have some to fend for ourselves.”
The United Nations convention on the rights of persons with disabilities clearly states that in situations of risk and humanitarian emergencies, there is the need for all state parties to ensure the protection and safety of persons with disabilities.
It is on this footing that Mr. Frimpong is also calling on government officials and the public to give special attention to persons with disabilities.
He said they need some funding for the disability group to do their own awareness program and “more importantly to help face this harrowing period that we find ourselves now”.
Mr. George Frimpong is therefore calling on the general public to come to their aid as they are helpless.
SOURCE: ABA AIKINS APPAH/ATLFMONLINE
