Physically Challenged �Barred� From Entering Ghana's Parliament

Some physically challenged Ghanaians were left disappointed on Wednesday when they visited Parliament to observe World Disability Day. Some of the physically challenged persons were unable to access the main chamber to witness proceedings because the main entrance was not disability friendly. The chairman of the Accra Metro Disabled Society, Elvis Kosi Alipui, said they feel discriminated upon since they were unable to access the lawmaking chamber. �It is our day today� but we can�t go in there,� Alipui told Starr News. �We are here to talk our problems and here we are feeling discriminated upon. The MPs should come and tell us where is our portion of this state property.� According to Starr News� Parliamentary Correspondent, Kobby Gomez Mensah, a few of the physically challenged were able to enter the chamber to listen to proceedings. The first deputy speaker of Parliament Ebo Barton Oduro in a statement asked local authorities not to issue building permits to developers unless their designs are disability friendly. Earlier in the day, the Media Relations Coordinator of NGO Disabled Equipment Sent Overseas (DESO), Philip Akyea suggested that there should be customised streets and roads designed with persons living with disability in mind. Speaking on the International Day of People Living with Disability, Mr Akyea said that taking the needs of such people into consideration when designing major roads in the country will be of great benefit to them. Akyea cited the N1 Highway as an example, to demonstrate the difficulty experienced by persons living with disability in using such busy roads.