Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General did not mince words when he said, “When we secure the rights of people with disabilities, we move closer to achieving the central promise of the 2030 Agenda – to leave no one behind”. These powerful words were brought to life at the launch of the 1000 wheelchairs and walking aids per Region Campaign on 3rd November, 2020.
Organized by the Henry Djaba Foundation with support from UNFPA, and other partners, over 250 people including PWDs gathered at Christ the King Hall in Accra to raise funds to purchase wheelchairs and walking aids for PWDs.
Madam Otiko Djaba, Executive Director of the Henry Djaba Memorial Foundation, stated that it is unacceptable for society to look on as PWDs struggle to have access to mobility. According to her, “once physically challenged persons have access to mobility, they have independence, a sense of pride and freedom to move around”. She further expressed her appreciation to UNFPA for supporting earlier activities such as a walk to create awareness on the campaign as well as promoting and protecting the rights of PWDs.
Words are not enough to describe the beaming smiles on the faces of three men who received brand new wheelchairs after crawling on their hands for over 5 years. The kind gesture according to them, has put joy in their lives. Cynthia Agyapong, a physically challenged lady could not hide her joy during the event expressed, “I feel so good and empowered to be part of this event. All PWDs should not look down on themselves but rather actively be a part of this Campaign so that all PWDs can move around freely”. There was a walk earlier to raise awareness on the campaign
