The Ghana Federation for the Disabled (GFD) organisations have decried challenges their members are facing in the imposition of the 14-day lockdown by the government to contain the Coronavirus (Covid-19) spread in two major cities in the country.
According to the Federation, the members, because of their peculiar challenges, are unable to get food and other essentials that would keep them through the two weeks.
In a press release signed by the National President of the Federation, Mawunyo Yakor-Dagbah, it was feared that with the rate at which the virus infection is increasing, more concrete plans need to be put in place to protect its members.
It said even though the Federation had met with President Akufo-Addo to discuss disability inclusion, and government’s emergency response and activity on Covid-19 in the need for accessible information sharing on the pandemic, their request were not being met.
The statement further pointed to the fact that a promise made by the Minister for Gender Children and Social Protection, Cynthia Morrison, that the government would support 10,435 persons with disabilities, was vague.
It simply put it that no concrete measures were out in place to ensure the safety and protection of persons with disabilities during the lockdown, like other vulnerable groups such as the Kayayei (female head porters).
The statement, therefore, demanded responses on what emergency responses or support systems had been set in place for the federation members, as well as information about infection mitigating tips on public restriction plans and services being offered at this critical moment.
It also wants to know what categories of the vulnerable can access support from the measures put in place.
One of the concerns the statement raised was that the members were at high risk of contracting Covid-19, due to the difficulty they have while accessing information on protective hygiene, and also had to rely on physical contact with the environment to get support.
Others have preconditions such as respiratory conditions that make them more vulnerable to the virus.
Information about infection mitigating tips, public restriction plans, and services offered in this critical moment are not accessible and available to all categories of persons with disabilities.
It also reminded the government of their readiness for partnerships in ensuring that proper support is given to persons with disability, in order to meet their daily supplies, including access to food and shelter, as promised by the Gender Minister.
In fact, it wants the Minister to detail the kind of support the ministry intended to offer persons with disability during media briefing sessions.
By Bernice Bessey / www.thechronicle.com.gh
The post Our members can’t get food and other essentials –GDF appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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