Govt’s directive for PWDs to be appointed to MMDAs lauded

The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has showered praise on the government for its recent directive to metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs) to appoint at least one person living with disabilities (PWDs) for service. The directive was issued through the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development on Tuesday, December 24, 2019 in the Ministerial Guidelines. It is intended to open up local governance participation and involvement to more PWDs. A statement issued by the National President of GFD, Mawunyor Yakor-Dagbah, on Friday, January 10 said the Federation considered the directive a “pleasant news”, which has been conveyed to all its members across the country. “[We have] urged them to get in touch with their MMDAs to actualize this provision and opportunity,” Mr Yakor-Dagbah said. “The Federation therefore wishes to urge government to ensure all MMDAs comply strictly with this directive contained in the guideline in the spirit of social inclusion, social equity and with the principle of ‘Leaving No One Behind’.” GFD expressed hope that the latest directive will not follow those of 1998, 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2015, “which were either not complied with or partially applied based on the wishes of the district authorities”. It said it will monitor the process and ensure that the full intent is achieved. Source: editors.3news.com|Ghana