President Akufo-Addo
PRESIDENT NANA DankwaAkufo-Addo has offered an unqualified apology to Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana over his recent comments at a political rally in Accra.
It would be recalled that at the New Patriotic Party (NPP) campaign rally at Shiashie ahead of the just ended Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency by-election, the Ghanaian leader whilst touting his government’s achievements, remarked that only the blind and deaf could ignore that his administration has fulfilled its 2016 campaign promises to the Ghanaian people.
Some individuals considered his remarks as “insensitive” about disabled people.
But Mr. Akufo-Addo rather than merely arguing with his critics over the issue, rather opted to apologize for his remarks.
He said in a humble manner “I apologize for any intended slight from the “political metaphor”.
However, in a post on his Facebook wall, the President explained that “I did not intend any slight on Persons With Disabilities, nor would I ever, and I hope they know that.”
He stated that his comments at the rally were “political metaphor” never intended to disrespect visually impaired people nor the deaf.
Mr. Akufo-Addo seized the opportunity to inform the public about how his government has been championing and prioritizing the welfare of Persons With Disabilities.
He stated that “if there has been any government that had been on the side of Persons With Disabilities, it is my government. We have increased the share of the District Assemblies Common Fund to Persons With Disabilities from 2% to 3% and we have also ensured the implementation of employing 50% of persons who manage the country’s tollbooths from amongst Persons With Disabilities.”
BY Melvin Tarlue