Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, has extended an invitation to Members of Parliament (MPs) to join the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability.
The advocate for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and Member of Parliament for Builsa South emphasized the importance of supporting the Caucus’s efforts to push for reforms and better opportunities for PWDs.
Addressing Parliament on Thursday to mark this year’s National Day for Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Apaak stated that the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability has been instrumental in championing the cause of PWDs.
“Mr. Speaker, I humbly call on my colleagues, Members of Parliament, to join the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability. I know there are like-minded colleagues who are committed to disability inclusion,” Dr. Apaak stated.
“We want to ensure that legislation passed by this House is disability-inclusive and that Parliament remains accessible to persons with disabilities. The Caucus has also been advocating for the expedited re-enactment of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), and the ratification of the African Disability Protocol.
“The objective of the Caucus is to create a platform for parliamentarians to advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, promote equal opportunities, and support the implementation of disability-related policies and legislation.”
He explained that the objective of the Caucus is to help address discrimination against PWDs and improve inclusivity.
“Mr. Speaker, our objective is informed by the unpleasant reality that persons with disabilities face various barriers to participation in society, including inaccessible infrastructure, stigma and discrimination, limited access to education and employment, and inadequate healthcare and social services.
“Our Caucus intends to help address these issues by raising awareness about disability issues among parliamentarians and the general public; providing a forum for parliamentarians to discuss and address disability-related concerns; supporting legislation and policies promoting disability inclusion; and engaging with organizations of persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.”
The Builsa South lawmaker further indicated that the Caucus’s focus includes issues such as accessible infrastructure and transportation, education and employment opportunities, healthcare and social services, and political participation and representation.
By: Rainbowradiooline.com/Ghana
