I will ensure PWDs enjoy limitless opportunities under my presidency – Bagbin
Mr Alban S. K. Bagbin, Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, and National Democratic Congress (NDC) flagbearer aspirant, has assured persons living with disabilities (PWDs) of limitless opportunities under his ‘presidency’.
He said should he be elected the NDC’s flagbearer and eventually the President of the nation, he would ensure that the needed reforms in Ghana’s social and governance structure were carried out to provide limitless opportunities for PWDs.
He noted that he would grant tax incentives and reliefs to create employment in the private sector for PWDs.
Mr Bagbin gave the assurance on Tuesday at a press conference in Accra in response to criticisms on social and main stream media on some alleged statements he had made during his campaign tour of the Volta Region.
He said as the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament and the longest serving Member of Parliament, a former Minority/Majority Leader and Minister of State, he had championed several bills and policies in Parliament to further the interest of PWDs.
“I have also worked enormously with PWDs and I know their capabilities. Currently, I am a Patron of Richoff Disability Sports and Educational Foundation,” he said.
“I have also on countless occasions personally funded several programmes and activities, including the provision of scholarships to PWDs because of my endless affection for the marginalized and my desire to build a free and just society.”
Mr Bagbin said as a Leader, he takes full responsibility for the situation and the impressions created.
“I have reflected deeply on all the comments coming from across a large section of the public and I have drawn relevant lessons from them,” he said.
“I want to assure the NDC and the good people of Ghana of my unflinching support for inclusive governance, a key part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s), is never in doubt,” he added.
Mr Bagbin said: “As a social democrat and also a proud Pan-Africanist, I further pledge that when I become President of this country, I will ensure that the needed reforms in our social and governance structure are carried out to provide limitless opportunities for persons with disabilities”.
He noted that these would include huge investments into public education and sensitisation against economic and social discrimination.
“Indeed, I have elaborate plans for ending all forms of discrimination and creating wealth to establish an equitable and just society in Ghana,” he said
“Together we can create a more inclusive culture of governance and respect for all. “
He further urged Ghanaians to participate in every objective national dialogue to improve the culture of governance in the country.
Mr Richard Offei, President, Richoff Disability Sports and Educational Foundation, and Gershon Kofi Bediako Gbediame, former Member of Parliament, Nkwanta South, were at the press conference to lend their support to Mr Bagbin.
Source: GNA