Former President John Agyekum Kufuor is advocating for a more inclusive society that caters to the needs of persons living with disabilities.
He emphasizes that disability can affect anyone, and it’s crucial to recognize that we’re all potential candidates for disability .
Former President Kufuor emphasized that disability is a universal risk, unaffected by an individual’s wealth, social status, or educational attainment.
Former Ghanaian President John Agyekum Kufuor revealed a personal struggle at his foundation’s inaugural Disability Conversation, admitting he never anticipated relying on a wheelchair just a decade ago.
“Look at me today,” Kufuor said. “If someone had said ten years ago that I would be in a wheelchair today, perhaps, he would have been disputed and damned as a false prophet, but this prophecy is the reality today, I’m in a wheelchair and I cannot walk, and I need about four, five six hefty men to be pushing me around like a baby.
He emphasized the need for a society that values diversity, promotes inclusivity, and accepts people with disabilities, stressing that everyone deserves equal opportunities and respect regardless of their abilities.
“We cannot afford to leave any segment of our society behind,” Kufuor added. “We must appreciate our differences and our individual challenges, and work towards integrating everyone as an integral part of the human race.”
Former Ghanaian President John Kufuor championed the Disability Act as a vital tool for creating a society where individuals with disabilities feel safe, valued, and protected, emphasizing its crucial role in promoting equality and dignity.
Boakye Agyarko, Ghana’s former energy minister, is advocating for stricter accessibility standards in public facilities.
“I struggle to understand how an engineer can approve a building or road construction that doesn’t comply with specific codes. It reflects poorly on us to cut corners. We need to recognize that disability is a universal condition, stemming from the fall of Adam. All humanity experiences disability in different forms and degrees. Embracing this mindset will help us plan better for our current or future needs.”
Defying stereotypes, accomplished individuals with disabilities shared their inspiring stories, urging society to recognize their talents and potential, rather than perpetuating pity and stigma.
