The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) has said that the appointment of a visually-impaired person to a ministerial position is in the interest of total inclusion of Persons With Disability (PWD) in managing national affairs for social and economic well-being of the people.
Mr. Yaw Ofori-Debrah, President of GFD, made the observation during a dinner organized by the federation to host and congratulate Dr. Henry Seidu Daannaa on his appointment and subsequent performance when he appeared for vetting before the Parliamentary Appointments Committee on Friday.
Mr Ofori-Debrah said it had been a long struggle to fight for social justice and inclusion but finally the way had been smoothened for PWD to demonstrate that they were equally capable of contributing to the effective management of national resources.
He said many persons were inspired and stimulated by Dr. Daannaa's appointment as minister-designate for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, adding that they were unwavered to set out to achieve what others thought were an impossibility to accomplish.
He said it was heartwarming to have a man of Dr Daanaa's stature with a stock of experience and knowledge that gave him confidence to work to affect the lives of people.
He added, "You are a role model to many; we are honoured to host you, congratulations and keep shining and shining".
Mr. Ofori-Debrah noted that the federation had no doubt the appointments committee of parliament would overwhelmingly endorse the nominee for the ministerial position.
In a speech, Dr. Daannaa who said he was overwhelmed by the honour done him, noted there was no law restricting PWD to work towards economic and social progress, adding that it was therefore not a mystery to get to his present position.
He urged all persons with disability to eschew laziness and sheer favour which potentially undermined their dignity, noting that he worked hard to achieve laurels that qualified him for the appointment.
Mr. Kan Dapaah, Board Member of GFD said the appointment of a visually impaired person to a ministerial post was a positive development for Ghana.
He expressed the feeling that the recent passage of the disability act might have culminated in the appointment of Dr. Daannaa to the chieftaincy ministry.
There were solidarity messages from the Ghana Blind Union, Ghana National Association of The Disabled, Ghana Society of Physically Disabled, Mental Health Society of Ghana, Ghana Association of Persons with Albinism, Blind Teachers Association and DANIDA.
They all congratulated and urged him to apply his expertise diligently to justify the trust and confidence reposed in him by President John Dramani Mahama.
Dr. Daannaa was the first visually-impaired lawyer to be called to the bar in 1997 and if the appointments committee of parliament approves his nomination, he again becomes the first visually-impaired person to hold a ministerial position in Ghana and the first in the chieftaincy ministry.