Persons living with disabilities also deserve love and have the right to live a good social life, says Ms Felicity Kyere, the Chairperson of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) for New Juaben South Munici­pality in the Eastern Region.

According to her, many People With Disabilities (PWDs) experience no inti­mate relationships or face bitter ones, resulting in many remaining unmarried or becoming single parents.

Ms Kyere revealed to The Spectator in an exclusive interview that while some men initiate relationships with women with disabilities without prob­lems, societal pressure often force these men to abandon them.

Despite significant efforts to edu­cate the public about disability and promote inclusiveness, many PWDs still faced serious social challenges.

These issues, especially affecting women with disabilities, are often not discussed, leading to silent suffering.

She recounted an incident where a member of her federation was visit­ed by a wealthy man. That left other tenants stunned.

Due to such challenges, some deaf individuals and those with physical dis­abilities choose to marry each other to avoid societal rejection but even with these unions, they hear derogatory remarks about them.

Ms Kyere emphasised the need for the Social Welfare Department of various Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to col­laborate with the GFD to educate the public on these issues.

“We have a right to love, be loved, and enjoy a good social life. It’s im­portant to remember that anyone can become disabled at any point in life,” she stated.

For her part, Ms Josephine Dzokoto, Director for Social Welfare and Com­munity Development in New Juaben South, emphasised that addressing the social challenges of PWDs requires a multifaceted approach.

She called on all stakeholders, in­cluding families, communities, cultur­al leaders, and PWDs themselves, to combat the negative perceptions and ensure acceptance.

Ms Dzokoto highlighted the need for accessible structures and institutions and noted her department’s efforts in raising awareness through one-on-one interactions, small groups, media, and community information centers despite logistical challenges and as­sured they would continue to educate society.

She urged society to change its ste­reotypes about PWDs and PWDs to ac­cept and carry themselves confidently to change negative perceptions.