By Christopher Tetteh
Sunyani (Bono), Dec.18, GNA- The G2 Foundation, a non-governmental organization (NGO) has called on global leaders to prioritize the rights and dignity of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and ensure equal opportunities for all.
Ms Gifty Nyarko, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the G2 Foundation, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, stated the need for accessible public spaces, facilities, transportation systems, housing, technology, and communication systems for PWDs.
She observed that over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with disabilities, representing approximately 16 percent of the global population.
She stressed that societies must not only accommodate PWDs but also empower them to feel included and valued.
“PWDs are among the world’s most marginalized groups, with only one out of every 10 PWDs having access to assistive technologies needed for daily activities,” she said.
She called for consistent and conscious efforts to provide accessible environments, education and employment opportunities for PWDs and stressed the importance of involving PWDs in decision-making processes, particularly in development planning and implementation.
Ms Nyarko urged governments, development partners, and civil society organizations to accelerate the transformation towards inclusive and resilient societies and emphasized the critical role of PWDs in development planning and implementation, particularly in disaster and climate-related emergencies.
Madam Mahamadu Sirina, National Vice-President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), stressed the importance of empowering PWDs through Assistive Technology (AT) to support their activities.
She explained that AT devices, such as wheelchairs, prosthetics, and sign language interpreting software, could enhance PWDs’ mobility, independence, communication, and social participation and urged global leaders to take concrete actions to ensure equal opportunities and dignity for all, particularly PWDs.
GNA
Editd by Regina Benneh/Christian Akorlie