By Peter Agengre
The President of the Persons with Disability Association (PWDA) in the Bolgatanga Municipality, Mr. Alokabila Collins, has raised concerns over what he describes as persistent discrimination against persons living with disabilities by some commercial transport operators in the area.
According to him, drivers of “yellow yellow” tricycles and local buses, popularly known as candoo, often refuse to pick up persons with disabilities when they stop them on the road. He said the situation has become worrying and continues to limit their movement and participation in daily economic activities.
“Some of the yellow yellow drivers refuse to pick us when we stop them,” Mr. Collins stated. “This is discriminatory and very worrying for us as persons living with disabilities.”
He explained that boarding a candoo or bus is usually a challenge, as many drivers assume persons with disabilities cannot afford to pay transport fares. “Anytime we want to board a bus or candoo, it is always a problem,” he said. “The drivers consider us as people who cannot pay for the transport, which is an unfair judgement.”
Mr. Collins stressed that such perceptions are not only wrong but deeply hurtful, especially in an era where the government and development partners are empowering persons with disabilities through skills training and financial support.
“Government has empowered some of us and we make money,” he noted. “But can we buy legs, eyes, and hands? No! So people should desist from judging us immediately on the spot.” He spoke to GBCNews.
He called on transport operators and the general public to treat persons with disabilities with dignity and respect, adding that disability does not equate to inability. Mr. Collins also appealed to relevant authorities to intensify public education and enforce laws that protect the rights of persons living with disabilities.
