Kpeve (V/R) April 5, GNA- Mr Kwame Dadzawa, District Chief Executive (DCE) of South Dayi has commended Global Action for Women Empowerment (GLOWA) for working tirelessly to address challenges faced by persons with disability (PWDs).
He said GLOWA’s continuous efforts to reduce stigma and discrimination against PWDs and persons with mental health conditions in the district through public awareness creation and sensitisation was worthy of commendation.
Mr Dadzawa was speaking at a meeting organised by GLOWA at Kpeve to sensitise stakeholders on the need to protect and promote the rights of all persons with disabilities and provide them with a friendly environment to explore their potential.
The DCE said the Assembly was taking steps to ensure greater equality of participation and non-discrimination in its activities as it worked to protect and promote the rights of all persons with disabilities.
He said the Assembly was ready to support GLOWA in its quest to raise public awareness on the rights of disability and to support the involvement of PWDs in decision-making.
GLOWA is currently working in five communities within the district with a focus on eliminating stigma and discrimination against PWDs and persons with mental health conditions and to ensure protection and promotion of their rights.
Madam Stella Alifo, the district mental health officer, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said mental health conditions in the area was on ascendency as more cases were being recorded.
She mentioned drug abuse, hereditary, abuse of alcohol, breakdown of relationships as some contributing factors, leading to increase in the cases in the district.
Madam Alifo said the health directorate and the mental health unit were making every necessary effort to reduce the situation to the barest minimum including home visits, school health services, outreaches to educate communities about mental health issues and services.
She, however, mentioned inadequacy of drugs, lack of means of transportation to visit patients in communities, lack of funds, lack of family involvement among others as major factors militating against their efforts.
The health officer appealed to individuals, philanthropists and corperate entities to support them to address the situation.
Madam Emma Adom, the district Director of Social Welfare and Community Development, said PWDs had significant roles to play in accelerating the development of the country.
Madam Elikplim Klu, Volta and Oti, Vice President, International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), Paralegals, charged religious leaders to use their platforms to address challenges facing PWDs and persons with mental health conditions.
The programme forms part of a 12-month disability and mental health focused programme, Ghana Somubi Dwumadie (Ghana Participation Programme), with funding support from UKAID through Option’s consortium.
GNA