She said the project, which would build the capacity of the Regional Advocacy Network, would not only help in advocating to address disability related issues in the region, but would help feed into the National Advocacy Network.

She said the regional network team to identify issues affecting the PWDs in the region and to draw up action plans for lobbying has been established. The team members are drawn from the National Commission for Civic Education, Commission of Human Rights and Administrative of Justice, Civil Society Organizations, the security agencies, the traditional authority, the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations and the media.

Ms Mahmood urged members to start advocating on problems confronting PWDs at their work places, saying “it is our environment that makes one feel disabled. We, therefore, need a holistic approach to help address the situation”.

Naba Johnson Awuni, the chief of Yorogo, expressed concern at the way some people in the society treat PWDs saying a behavioral change is needed. “Everybody has some form of disability and one could also become disabled at any moment. There is the need for more vigorous education and sensitization programmes to be undertaken in communities to help change this negative trend”.

Mr David Aniah, Programme Manager of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, urged PWDs not to look down upon themselves but to take up challenges. He  said, he as disabled person, has initiated several programmes including the basket weavers groups which have employed a lot of PWDs including people who are physically fit.

The Regional Director of the NCCE, Mr Pontius Pilate Apaaby Baba, who launched the network, entreated members to work hard to help improve the status of PWDs.