INTERNATIONAL DAY OF DISABILITY, LAUNCHING OF ‘PERD” (PROMOTING EQUAL RIGHTS FOR WOMEN AND GIRLS WITH DISABILTY), AND SUPPORT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITY. AT THE FORECOURT OF KWABRE EAST MUNICIPAL ASSEMBLY WITH THE THEME: “LEADERSHIP AND PARTICIPATION OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES TOWARDS AN INCLUSIVE, ACCESSIBLE AND SUSTAINBLE POST COVID-19 WORLD”.

On January 12th 2022, Kwabre East Municipal Assembly held a durbar on the International Day for Disability, Launching of PERD’ (Promoting Equal Rights for Women and Girls with Disability) with the theme: “Leadership  and Participation of Persons with Disabilities  Towards an Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post  COVID-19 World”.

Some of the dignitaries present were Hon. Opoku Agyemang Bonsu (MCE – KEMA), Nana Sebbeh Ampofi (Fawoadehene), Mr. Alfred Tabi Amponsah (GFD REP. Ashanti Region), Mr. Bediako Brempong (MCD –KEMA), Mr. Rexford Owusu Banahene (PERD Project Officer), Mr. Stephen Attah Gyamfi (SWCD- KEMA), Head of Departments at KEMA, Mr. Mohammed Habib ( Nasara Coordinator), Immigration officers (KEMA), Hon. Assembly members (KEMA), some party leaders for NPP ( KEMA) and some media personalities.

The event started around 9: 45 AM with an opening prayer from Taakoat Kwesi (Disabled member) but before the opening prayer, all the participants had their names registered with Mr. Ruwaida Mohammed. A welcome address was received from Mr. Asare Bediako Brempong (Municipal Coordinating Director – KEMA). He welcomed and urged all and sundry to participate.

Accordingly, Mr. Stephen Anderson (Head of Culture – KEMA) introduced all the dignitaries present at the event and afterwards, Miss Matilda Asamoah introduced the chairperson for the event who was said to be Nana Sebbeh Ampofi (Fawoadehene).

Nana Sebbeh Ampofi expressed how grateful and happy to be called by the assembly to come and chair such a productive event. He accepted the chairmanship with his maximum cooperation and encouraged the participants to keep on believing in themselves since they are not liabilities.

Going forward, Mr. Stephen Atta Gyamfi (SWCD –KEMA) addressed everyone on the purpose of the gathering and the benefits one could get from the program. He also urged the participants not to undermine themselves and considering the support from the government and in the community that they find themselves.

Mr. Alfred Tabi Yeboah (GFD Ashanti Regional Rep.) addressed the participants and audience present with his powerful speech. He encouraged the participants to know their rights and responsibilities in the community. He reiterated the support government has for them. He encouraged them to make head-ons and follow-ups for any forms of difficulties.

Hon. Opoku Agyemang Bonsu (MCE –KEMA) also gave his address. According to Hon. MCE, he was very happy that such a day was put aside to observe PWD as it makes them feel equal in the society. He made it to known to the people that 15% of world’s population are PWD’S. He urged the participants that the assembly supports PWDs and therefore will present to them items which  cost 43,000.00 Ghana Cedis in support for PWDs. He encouraged them to use the items for the rightful things.

The project was launched successfully by the Hon. MCE and the presentation of items for some of the participants were done. Some of the items presented included money to support education, “fufu” pounding machines, deep freezers, spraying machines, sewing machines, wheel chairs, shoe making tools and hair dressing kits.

Summarily, closing remarks was given by Nana Sebbeh Ampofi, and a closing prayer by Mr. Seidu Gyimah (MDFMCM) and lastly group photographs were taken by the dignitaries and the participants.