By Emmanuel Annang Faithson | email: kwesiemmannang@gmail.com
History is rich with the efforts of persons with disabilities who have made great strides through scholarship, invention, technology, and innovation — not only to solve complex problems and improve standards of living but also to change narratives and break stereotypes.
We can talk of Thomas Edison, who, despite a hearing impairment, invented the phonograph, the electric light bulb, and numerous other devices that transformed modern life. The exploits of Stephen Hawking and his groundbreaking work on black holes and cosmology, achieved while living with total paralysis, revolutionized science and also inspired innovations in assistive communication technology.
We can also mention Farida Bedwei, a Ghanaian software engineer living with cerebral palsy, whose remarkable contributions to fintech and disability inclusion continue to inspire millions across Africa and beyond. It is against this backdrop that special mention must be made of the five persons with disabilities among the distinguished individuals called to the Ghanaian Bar recently.
No doubt, along their journey, many have faced moments when they wished they had not taken such an arduous path. Yet, the achievements of persons with disabilities stand not merely as examples of resilience and inspiration but as a profound reminder of the limitless strength of the human spirit.
In societies where socio-cultural and traditional stereotypes persist, and where support systems and public facilities remain unfriendly to persons with disabilities, the rights of individuals with physical impairments are quietly yet consistently undermined — amounting to subtle but enduring forms of violation.
Persons with disabilities deserve more than empathy and support — they deserve our deepest respect. True progress begins when accessibility is no longer treated as an act of charity but as a fundamental duty of a just and inclusive society.
More than a decade after the passage of the Disability Act, intended to guarantee equitable access and inclusion, not much has been achieved. If we truly believe in equity, equality, and justice for all, then we must reflect deeply on the struggles and challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
This calls for a critical examination of our socio-cultural customs and traditions, as well as the bureaucratic bottlenecks that continue to undermine effort, accessibility, and inclusivity. We must give true meaning to our national motto, “Freedom and Justice.”
Everyone, regardless of physical condition, has the right to equal access, opportunity, and dignity. Public policy and infrastructure development must reflect this understanding. Every office and public space must be accessible to all, free from barriers that demand constant assistance.
Public transportation systems, sports and recreational facilities, and social centers — including churches and mosques — should be designed with the physically challenged in mind. No one should be held back — not by the circumstances of their birth or by the limits of their physical condition.
The mindset of doing the impossible is what sets many apart from their peers. Everyone has the potential to be great, prosperous, and successful. We can all rise and make remarkable exploits when we set our minds to it. Where we are or where we go in life is neither by accident nor luck, nor merely by affiliation or association, but basically by the decisions we make and the choices we embrace.
Our cultural setup and social orientation, though intended to promote communal good and mutual support, can in many ways be parasitic and complacent, fostering a culture of dependency rather than self-reliance.
Often, it is this same energy that drives loyalty and associations, with many — especially the youth — viewing affiliation with political parties and organizations as a means of economic survival and sustenance. Yet, in an age of growing civilization, where traditional support systems are gradually eroding under the weight of economic hardship and complex social challenges, this approach is neither sustainable nor progressive.
The central focus of policy, social engineering, and development must shift toward nurturing independence, intelligence, and innovation. Creating systems driven by creativity and enterprise will empower individuals to think critically, act resourcefully, and contribute meaningfully to society. This represents a sustainable pathway to growth and progress rather than a culture of dependency on state or communal support.
The wisdom of the great American leader John F. Kennedy — “Let us not think of what the government can do for us, but rather what we can do for ourselves” — remains a powerful reminder of self-reliance and personal responsibility.
