A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 70 million people need a wheelchair and only five to15 per cent have access to one.

The NGO made this known in a press statement issued and signed by Mrs Otiko Afisah Djaba, Executive Director for Henry Djaba Memorial Foundation, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Wa.

This was to mark the International Wheelchair Day, a day celebrated every 1st March to mark the tremendous impact that wheelchairs have had on the lives of the physically challenged.

The statement said people who have injuries to their legs, spine among others, usually suffer from muscular dystrophy, paralysis of their lower limbs, cerebral palsy, elephantiasis, stroke and are faced with the challenge to move around.

It expressed worry over the poor access to the wheelchair situation, saying "it is so depressing to watch our brothers and sisters who are physically challenged walking with their hands and knees or crawling from one point to the other".

The Foundation appealed to philanthropic organisations and well-meaning individuals to help make their vision a reality by donating a wheelchair or funds to buy a wheelchair for those in need.