Hot!
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 Heartfelt Philanthropy Network and fellows of Elevate Africa Fellowship have visited the Street Academy in Accra to support its efforts to improve the welfare and development of children.
The visit formed part of efforts by the organisations to give back to the community and promote opportunities for children through education, healthcare and other social support programmes.
Ms Yvonne Abba-Opoku, Founder and Director of the Heartfelt Philanthropy Network, said the organisation had supported the Street Academy since 2019 because of its commitment to serving vulnerable children. Read More.
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Buy Maps
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
Alberta Afia Asomaniwa Akoto, popularly known as “Landlady,” has declared her intention to contest as the Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Okaikwei North Constituency.
In a statement shared on Friday, Ms. Akoto said Okaikwei North has been her home for more than 40 years, where she has lived among the people, shared in their joys and challenges, and built lasting connections with the community.
“I am in the race because I believe our community deserves dedicated service, a listening ear and a strong voice. I am ready to work with you, listen to your concerns and help build a brighter future for Okaikwei North,” she said.
“Dear Okaikwei North, your girl is here one of your own, ready to serve,” she added.
Ms. Akoto said service is not just a responsibility but a commitment to the people and the community they call home.
Having dedicated herself to serving and supporting the people of the constituency, she said she wishes to continue the journey of service with renewed commitment, greater dedication and a stronger vision.
Her vision, she noted, is to build on the progress made, listen to the concerns of the people, empower the youth, support women, create opportunities and champion development that benefits every community in the constituency.
“I believe that together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive Okaikwei North,” she added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
