All Children, Our Future: Disabilities or Not

 

Civilization has done the world good than damage and one of its benefit is the emergence of human rights. The world we live in today; everyone is entitled to certain rights. However, there are individuals whose struggles often go unnoticed. These are the voices of children with disabilities, who often find themselves navigating a world often ill-suited to their needs.

In 2006, Parliament passed the Persons with Disability Act 2006 (Act 715), marking a significant milestone in advancing disability rights in Ghana. This legislation guarantees various rights, including unrestricted access to public places and buildings, free healthcare, employment opportunities, access to education, and transportation services.

The question remains: to what extent are these rights actively enforced, and are there effective measures in place to punish those who violate these rights?

From a documentary dubbed “Disable Children in Ghana”, Sophie Morgan disclosed some private disable institutes do not get any assistance or little support from government as they struggle to cater for some disable children in their localities.

Meeting Mr. Barima, Director of the Physically Challenged Action Foundation, Offinso, in Ghana to learn about the work that he does to support children with disabilities, Morgan asserted, “In the 25 years since Mr. Barima school reopened, 15 hundred disable children have graduated. All of which was done without any government assistances.

Unfortunately, not only the government but also some members of society have turned a blind eye to these alarming issues. Some parents neglect their disabled children, leaving them to suffer without any parental assistance or even disposing them off to die as if they are some piece of thrash. They justify their actions by claiming these children are burdens or liabilities.

One of the top students at the institute shared a heartbreaking story of neglect by his father. 17year-old Charles narrated, “I was born in a village and my dad told my mom that I am a disable soul, he hates me and I am cursed. He said I am a river son. My daddy left us. Fortunately, a man saw me and promised to bring me here”. He said I hope I get a better future and I agreed.”

Charles wishes for God to send helpers to disabled children like himself. He aspires to become a doctor and help other disabled children achieve their dreams.

Exploring the healthcare services available for disabled children, what steps is the government, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development, which falls under the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, taking to alleviate the financial burden of their healthcare expenses?

Is there any insurance currently available that provides coverage for disabled children in the country?

I urge the government to not only make efforts in providing just laws, policies or facilities for disabled children but also ensure that these laws and policies are effectively enforced, guaranteeing the rights and welfare of disabled children across the country in terms of health, education and security.

All children, whether disabled or not, are our responsibility. They are the future of this country and should be our top priority.