The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) has been asked to increase its presence in the Northern and Volta Regions to protect children with disability, who were at risk of being subjected to harmful practices and all forms of violence.
The Ghana Chapter PROMOAFRICA, a network of Journalists for the promotion of rights of persons with for disabilities, which made the call, also tasked the GFD to strengthen and increase advocacy and awareness on the human rights of children with disabilities regarding harmful practices through information, education and outreach programmes.
Presenting findings on the exposure of Human Rights Violations against Person with Disabilities (PWD'S) in Upper East and Volta Region precisely Kasina Nanakana and the Nkwanta South districts, the Executive Secretary of the Network, Marian Amponsah, said denying the youth with disabilities education should be a thing of the past.
With support from the GFD's Flex-fund under a DANIDA project, the Chapter is implementing a project titled: "Exposure of Human Rights Violation Against Persons with Disabilities, with the objective to bring to light, human rights violation against PWD in the two regions and shape public image of PWD to make them more visible in society.
The findings said the phenomenon of the "spirit child syndrome" in the northern region where the locals believe children with disabilities are evil and cursed and should be killed and that of blindness due to river blindness still existed.
This the findings said had denied most children with disabilities access to education and therefore urged the GFD to advocate for the establishment of schools for children with disabilities to be cited in the districts or regional capitals and also work with the District Assemblies and NGOs to eliminate and address the negative practices that hindered the progress of those children.
Ms Amponsah said the findings on persons of short stature or midget also revealed that they had fewer opportunities in education, lacked self esteem, employment, social life and relationships and also did not belong to any association or club.
It said midgets deserved same rights and opportunities and therefore recommended that GFD should include their issues in their awareness, advocacy, counseling and research works as well as develop the right terminology for them.
The President of the Network, Mr Seth Addi, gave the assurance that it would ensure that disability issues and stories gained prominence and positive reportage in the local and international media.
Mr Joseph Adu-Boampong, First Vice Chairman of GFD, said he was overwhelmed with the work done considering the quantum of money given the network and noted that the GFD would act on the recommendation.
Mr Charles Appiagyei, National Administrator, Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled asked the media to help to fight the cause of PWD by giving prominence to their issues.