*Against their dismissal at tollbooths

Story: Rueben SACKEY

Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) working with the Tolls and Routes Management Limited have served notice to the Ghana Police Service of their intention to embark on a demonstration on Tuesday, September 14, 2021, in Accra, to protest against  poor working conditions and inhuman treatment  meted out to them at the various tollbooths in Ghana.

According to the PWDs, the demonstration has become necessary because of the failure of the authorities to listen to their pleas.

The PWDs made this disclosure on Amansan Television’s (ATV) current affairs programme, Asem Yi Dika on Monday, September 6, 2021 while commenting on their plight.

Mincing no words, the secretary of the  Disabled Tollbooths Workers’ Association, Ella Ametor  said, “it is in the interest of justice that the unfair treatment of persons with disabilities at various tollbooths should be condemned.”

“The process will take a method of all PWDs working at the various tollbooths holding placards on the side of the road from 37 Military Hospital, leading up to the office of His Excellency, Nana Akufo-Addo, at the Jubilee House to present a petition and take another route to the Ministry of Roads and Highways, also to deliver our petition letter to the Honourable Minister and Ghana Highway Authority,” they noted in the statement.

He, however, assured that  they would  ensure orderly procession,  including the observance of the Covid-19 protocols .

The Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) in December 2020 noted that the COVID-19 induced restrictions imposed on several sectors of the economy exposed the difficulties being faced by PWDs; a situation that has affected the mental state of such persons.

The Commission raised the concern in a statement signed by Joseph Whittal, the CHRAJ Commissioner to commemorate the 2020 International Day for Persons with Disabilities which was under the theme “Not all disabilities are visible.”

CHRAJ asked for more to be done to alleviate the plight of PWDs amidst the pandemic.