By: Razak Baba
Ashanti Region Youth Network in collaboration with Foundation for Security Development in Africa and Oxfam Ghana have organized a National Forum in Kumasi to provide a platform for youth with disabilities to discuss key issues affecting their participation and representation in governance and national decision making processes.
Persons with Disabilities constitute 3% per cent of the total population of Ghana. Out of this marginalized group, youth with disability constitute the greatest percentage. Their voices are not being heard nor taken seriously because they have no representation in governance and decision making at all levels of national development.
There has been commitment from the government to address these challenges. However, the lack of financial resources is a major impediment.
It is in light of this, that Ashanti Region Youth Network in collaboration with Foundation for Security Development in Africa and Oxfam Ghana organized a National forum for youth with disabilities in Kumasi. Participants were from the Ashanti Bono, Bono East and Ahafo Regions.
The President of Ashanti Region Youth Network, Mr. Ali Braheem explained the essence of the forum highlighting the important of inclusivity in national development.
The Ashanti Regional Secretary of the Ghana Federation of Disabled, Mr. Daniel Baah Appeadu spoke about concerns negatively affecting youth with disabilities, adding that support is required to keep the issues of the marginalized on the front burner.
The Ashanti Regional Director of the National Youth Authority, George Orwell Amponsah announced that a series of programs have been rolled out targeting persons with disabilities.