GFD condemns remarks by Seikwa Chief

At a news conference in Accra Monday to voice their concerns, the President of the GFD, Mr Yaw Ofori Debrah, called on the National House of Chiefs to implement Article 26(2) of the 1992 Constitution which states that  “all customary practices which dehumanise or are injurious to the physical and mental well-being of a person are prohibited”.

“GFD will like to call the National House of Chiefs to comply with Article 272(c) of the 1992 Constitution which recommends the evaluation of traditional customs and usages with a view to eliminating those customs and usages that are outmoded and socially harmful,” he said.

The GFD has over the years advocated that persons with disability be part of governance.

“Describing persons with disability as persons with blemish is an unfortunate statement and should not have come from a traditional authority that should be revered and accepted everywhere, every time and by everybody as a unifier, a builder of an inclusive society, and a provider of vision and direction,” the President of the GFD said.

Mr Debrah said the nomination of Dr Daannaa by the President had demonstrated the confidence in the ability of the physically challenged.

In some African countries, Europe, and the Americas, persons with disability have been appointed into various positions to enable them to contribute to national development. For instance, South Africa has ministers and 17 Members of Parliament with disability.  

On behalf of all disabled movements, he thanked the President for nominating Dr Daannaa and for recognising his expertise and capabilities.

He appealed to the President to consider more persons with disability with qualifications and experiences for deputy ministerial and other positions.

“By including persons with disability in his appointment, the President has actually demonstrated his readiness and willingness to build an all-inclusive society via an all-inclusive government,” he said. 

He appealed to the President and the public to ignore such comments and support Dr Daannaa for him to play his part in the implementation of the Better Ghana agenda.

Dr Daannaa has been working at the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs for 17 years.

He is currently the Director of Research of the ministry and serves as an advisor to the National House of Chiefs.

A former Chief Director of the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture who worked with Dr Daanaa, Ms Lillian Bruce-Lyle, said the nominee was competent and had rich experience to do the job as a minister. 

Story by Salomey Appiah