Mr. Mark Essien, Western Regional Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), on Tuesday called on Journalists to champion the cause of the physically challenged for societal recognition and integration.
He made the call at a one-day programme organized by the Sekondi-Takoradi Federation of the Disabled for Journalists at Takoradi.
Mr. Essien, who is the Regional Editor of the Daily Guide, was reacting to concerns raised by members of the federation about the attitude of the
public towards their condition and lack of public facilities for the physically challenged.
He said it was incumbent on Journalists to highlight the plight of the physically challenged to enable them get the necessary assistance from the government, organizations and philanthropic individuals.
Mr. Essien said it appeared the physically challenged are "voiceless" and are being neglected as if they are not part of the society.
Journalists should assist the physically challenged to let their voices be heard so that they could find their roles in the society, he said.
Mr. Essien said suggested to Federation that the physically challenged could learn trade and be productive to contribute to the development of the
country.
Mr. Samuel Quansah, Regional President of the Federation, urged Non-Government Organizations (NGO) working for the welfare of the physically
challenged to use funds allocated to them for their intended purposes.
He said some NGOs are misapplying funds solicited for projects for the physically challenged.