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We don’t carry bad luck – PWDs
• Mr.Alexander Bankole Williams (in sun glasses) demonstrating
how blind persons should be assisted to cross the street or board a vehicle
Some persons with disability in the Ashaiman Municipality have alleged that some Drivers and conductors refuse them access to their commercial vehicles because of their disability.
“They say disabled people especially blind people are bad luck or evil and if you allow them to board your vehicle you might either be involved in an accident, get low sales or experience a misfortune “ a 46- year old Winfred Nyarku told The Spectator in an interview on Monday.
Deveer on his arm
He said on several occasions, he had left the house very early in the morning to travel but ended up waiting for hours at the bus stop or station without a bus to pick him thus leaving him with no choice but to abandon his trip on some occasions.
“When the conductors are loading and you get closer they give you excuses and this is so heartbreaking. “ he lamented.
Mr. Nyaku who said it was about time they had their concerns put across via the media stated that sometimes the hostility did not come from the conductors or drivers but the passengers who refused to let them board or sit by them because they shared the same opinion that they were an abomination.
He said sometimes luck smiled at them and they were well received by some drivers after a long wait and other times some passengers also intervened on their behalf which was so refreshing.
The “victim” who said he was not born blind but lost his sight three years ago to an eye condition said he was surprised at the development because he was once a driver who never treated disabled persons with contempt.
He called on the leadership of the various transport unions to educate their members well to handle disabled persons with dignity because they were humans like all others and anyone could find themselves in their situation.
Another person with disability, a 54-year-old former driver, Michael Deveer who was disabled in an arm and leg said a few weeks ago, he was severely injured while trying to cross the street because a driver had failed to stop for him to do so.
He said he tried to make an eye contact with the driver and signalled him of his intentions to cross but was ignored and when he suddenly saw the vehicle coming towards him, he tried to run but fell and in the process sustained various injuries.
He said there was the need for serious public education on how to treat disabled persons to prevent needless injuries and loss of lives.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the National Advocacy Committee for the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, Alexander Bankole Williams condemned the development.
He said it was the expectation of the Association that, persons with disability boarding commercial vehicles should be allowed to get on board like any other person.
He said under the Persons With Disability Act 2006 Section 25, a motorist was obliged to stop for a person with disability who showed an intention to cross the road either at the pedestrian crossing or at an appropriately designated point for crossing by persons with disabilities.
Mr. Williams said also under Section 29, a person responsible for booking of passengers on a commercial bus shall reserve at least two seats for the persons with disability except where the bus was full without the reserved seats having been occupied, the driver or the person responsible for putting passengers on the bus may fill the reserved seats with other passengers.
He said ,it was unfortunate that many drivers appeared either ignorant or had simply decided not to do what they were lawfully expected to do and admonished them that any contravention of Sections 25 and 29 meant the person had committed an offence.
When this Reporter contacted the Welfare Chairman of the Ashaiman Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Emmanuel Kofi Agbenyo, he said it was wrong for any driver to treat a passenger differently especially because of a health condition or related issues.
He said the development had not come to the attention of the Association but he would ensure that all their members who may be going contrary to the laws of the country were cautioned to desist from it and rather assist them even possibly to the point of crossing the streets at their various bus stops.
Mr. Agbenyo said it was wrong to describe any person who was disabled with negative words such as bad luck or an abomination because it was not a choice they made.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Ashaiman.
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Armed Forces has confirmed that an escort convoy protecting civilians was attacked in Binduri in the Upper East Region, leaving three people dead.
In a press release issued on April 27, 2026, the military said the convoy, which was escorting about 140 civilians from Bawku to Bolgatanga, came under gunfire from unknown attackers.
It said the attackers shot at the convoy several times, killing three of the civilians being escorted and injuring one other person.
According to the statement, soldiers returned fire and were able to repel the attack. In the process, seven of the assailants were killed.
The military added that during a follow-up operation, weapons and ammunition were retrieved from a suspect who had taken refuge in a mosque.
The items included a G3 rifle, two loaded magazines, and additional rounds of ammunition.
It said ten other suspects have been arrested and are assisting with investigations.
The Ghana Armed Forces cautioned the public against engaging the military or any security agency during operations.
It extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wished the injured person a speedy recovery.
By: Jacob Aggrey
