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Searching for love: 34 women rejected me for my disability – former GFPO Prez
Getting a suitable partner to marry is usually a daunting task for many young people but it is worse when it comes to persons with disabilities.
They suffer stigma in various forms because many treat them as if they are less humans and cannot meet their expectations.
A Former President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, Mr. Prince Debrah who is an Electronic Engineer in an interview with The Spectator on Wednesday said that, he was rejected by 34 women before his present wife said “yes” to him.
“Some people look down on us and feel we will not make good spouses. For those who are even ready to date you, they wish that it is kept a secret because they are embarrassed to let people know” he said.
Mr. Debrah said he had been generous and shown so much love and care towards every woman he expressed interest in but this never worked.
He said most of them pretentiously showed interest and returned the love until it was time to meet their families.
He said some either developed cold feet or their families made very unpleasant comments which was a clear indication that he was not welcomed and so he had to move on.
The Electronic Engineer said he, however, did not give up but decided to keep trying his luck until he met Ms Esther Debrah who received him with opened arms and has been the best wife any man could get.
He said they have been married for 15 years and have five daughters.
“People are of the opinion that a physically challenged person can not give satisfaction in bed and for such people, I used to dare them to try me” he said amidst laughter.
He said others also had a perception that they were incapable of making babies and feared that even if they could, they may give birth to disabled children.
He described such thoughts as unfortunate and largely based on ignorance because “not all disabilities are hereditary or genetic but some happen as a result of accidents.
“I was not born physically challenged. It was a case of medical negligence and this happened to me when I was eight years” he disclosed.
He said disabled persons struggled a lot to get their partners as a result, some have no choice but to marry their colleagues.
The former president of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations said spouses of disabled persons also suffered serious stigmatisation as they were asked silly questions sometimes regarding their marriage with able-bodied persons.
“You get people asking why of all the people in this world, you have decided to settle down with this man or woman as if we are also not humans. Others also question our sexual lives,” he decried the form of discrimination in society.
He advised people to stop stigmatising disabled persons and that those who had decided to marry them, should be left alone to live their comfortable lives.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for stronger action to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for women in the workplace.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining staff at the Presidency of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day.
The celebration was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace” and focused on recognising the achievements of women while reflecting on the work needed to ensure equal opportunities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang extended warm wishes to women across Ghana and noted that women have always played key roles in the country’s communities and economic activities.
According to her, women in the past served as healers, traders and queen mothers who contributed to leadership and governance in traditional societies.
She explained that Ghana’s cultural history shows that women have long provided knowledge, leadership and innovation to help develop communities.
The Vice President however noted that current disparities require society to examine systems and structures that may have limited opportunities for women.
She stressed that advancing gender equity will require deliberate actions and the mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognised women whose work takes place in markets, streets and small trading spaces across the country.
According to her, these women form the backbone of local economies and continue to demonstrate resilience despite the difficult conditions they face.
She commended women working at the Presidency for their dedication and leadership and reaffirmed the need to promote respect, fairness and opportunity for every woman.
The Vice President further called on both men and women to work together to break barriers and ensure that women can fully contribute to Ghana’s development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
