By Philip Tengzu

Wa, (UW/R), July 30 GNA – People living with disabilities (PWDs) in Wa have been urged to be advocates of peace before, during and after the 2024 elections as they would be worst affected in any event of conflict or chaos.

PWDs have also been urged to make peace their priority demand from their leaders, especially politicians as it was a necessity for their well-being, growth and development.

Madam Kuurimah Umu Ibrahim, the Executive Director of Kuurimah Foundation, made the call during an engagement with some PWDs at a peace campaign at Wa Central Market.

The Foundation took the initiative to engage selected communities and groups of people on the need for them to spread peace wherever they are, especially during this election season with attendant threats of violence.

“As people living with visual, hearing or walking impairments, you know better than anyone the importance of peace.

If our country is in chaos, where are you going to run when you can’t see the danger ahead? Where will you hide when you can’t hear the warning signals? Where are you going to go when you can’t go to safety?” Madam Ibrahim explained.

She observed that successive governments in Ghana had virtually neglected the needs of PWDs, ignored their concerns and overlooked their contribution to national development and social cohesion.

“You have been marginalized, excluded and left behind. But I tell you today, no more! So I urge you to demand peace from our leaders.”

Demand inclusion, demand accessibility and demand equal opportunities. Your voice is your power, use it wisely,” said Madam Ibrahim.

She emphasized the need for all practical decks to build a Ghana where every citizen, regardless of his or her ability status, could live in peace, dignity and prosperity and a country where every person’s voice was heard, every need was met, and every person was valued.

Some PWDs who spoke to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during the peace campaign, said they recognized the need to take their security seriously by doing things that would improve and promote peace in the society.

“As we sit now, if there’s chaos in Wa here or and people run, I’m not praying for it, but we’re going to suffer the most. We’re going to stay.

“If you are a person living with a disability, when you go to the polling station and get to vote, after voting you come back home, sit at your TV or radio and watch or listen to what’s going on. Don’t sit there,” said Madam Zenabu Dauda, ​​a PWD.

Mr. Aminu Seidu, the Wa Municipal Public Relations Officer of the Federation of Persons Living with Disabilities, also appealed to the youths not to succumb to the deceit of politicians to create problems during this election campaign.

The foundation also held a similar event with the chiefs and people of Dorimon in Wa West district.

GNA

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