“PWDs Staging Demo Do So At Their Own Risk" - Mother Association

The Mother Association for persons living with Disabilities has distanced itself from some persons who have threatened to stage a demonstration over some poor working conditions at the various tollbooths saying they do so at their own risk.

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) working with the Tolls and Routes Management Limited have served notice to the Ghana Police Service of their intention to embark on a demonstration on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, in Accra, to protest poor working conditions.

The PWDs intend to express their displeasure and call for instant improvement of work conditions of all PWDs at the various Tollbooths in Ghana. They in a statement said: “It is in the interest of justice that the unfair treatment of persons with disabilities at various toll booths should be condemned.”

“The process will take a method of all PWDs working at the various tollbooths holding placards on the side of the road from 37 Military Hospital, leading up to the office of His Excellency, Nana Akufo-Addo, at the Jubilee House to present a petition and take another route to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, also to deliver our petition letter to the Honorable Minister and Ghana Highway Authority,” they noted in the statement.

The group assured that the demonstration will be peaceful and in compliance with COVID-19 protocols. “We will ensure orderly procession, COVID-19 protocols will be observed and so all protesters will be masked.” “We kindly request you to organise for the necessary security arrangements to ensure the safety of all leaders who will participate in the demonstration,” the statement added.

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in December 2020 noted that the COVID-19 induced restrictions imposed on several sectors of the economy exposed the difficulties being faced by PWDs; a situation that has affected the mental state of such persons.

The Commission raised the concern in a statement signed by Joseph Whittle, the CHRAJ Commissioner to commemorate the 2020 International Day for Persons with Disabilities which was under the theme “Not all disabilities are visible.”

But according to the Chairman for the National Advocacy Committee of the Persons with Disability Organization Alexander Bankoly William, such persons are not Members of the Association hence the association cannot guarantee their safety.

He however added that the Association is in talks with various stakeholders in charge of the tollbooths to find lasting solutions to the menace.

Nana Ama Asiedu, Bono Region