The Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities (CCPWDs) has demanded an apology from Former President John Dramani Mahama for his thoughtless remarks about individuals who stutter.
The Coalition expressed deep concern and disappointment over former President Mahama’s recent comments on VP Bawumia’s press engagement, which it sees as disrespectful to persons with disabilities.
“In a public statement, Former President Mahama reportedly remarked that Dr. Bawumia, who typically speaks fluently, began to stammer during a media encounter. He went further to suggest that such stammering is a sign of dishonesty, stating that ‘any person who does that is a liar’”.
“We, the members of the CCPWDs, find these remarks to be deeply offensive and an unfortunate misrepresentation of individuals who stammer”.
Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities (CCPWDs)
The Coalition pointed out that stammering, or stuttering, is a common speech disorder affecting millions globally, with numerous individuals in Ghana also impacted.
The CCPWDs emphasized that stammering is in no way a reflection of an individual’s integrity, intelligence, or capability, and should not be used to make judgments about a person’s character or abilities.
As such, the Coalition warned that comments like these from a prominent public figure can have far-reaching consequences, reinforcing harmful attitudes and stereotypes that marginalize and stigmatize individuals with speech impairments and other disabilities.
The Coalition pointed out that the stammering-dishonesty stereotype is a harmful and inaccurate association that undermines inclusivity, perpetuates stigma, and denies individuals with speech impairments the respect and understanding they deserve.
CCPWDs further recognized Ghana’s substantial efforts in promoting inclusivity and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities, marking a positive step towards a more accessible and empowering environment.
The Coalition emphasized that public figures, particularly those with the stature and influence of former President Mahama, have a critical responsibility to champion and advance inclusivity efforts.
This responsibility, CCPWDs indicated, involves fostering understanding, empathy, and respect, rather than perpetuating harmful stereotypes through thoughtless comments.
Disability Benefits Ignored, CCPWDs Point Out Mahama’s Oversight
The Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities (CCPWDs) pointed out that Former President Mahama missed an opportunity to outline the benefits of his 24-hour economy policy for people with disabilities.
The Coalition noted that instead, John Mahama chose to denigrate and stigmatize individuals with disabilities, perpetuating harmful attitudes and stereotypes.
“It is true that Mr. John Mahama has no record of any single policy he implemented during his tenure as Vice President and later President of the Republic that sought to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities, which we do not begrudge him but his act of gross disrespect for PWDs would not be condoned”.
Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities (CCPWDs)
Accordingly, the Coalition respectfully urged Former President John Dramani Mahama to issue a public apology for his hurtful comments, acknowledging the harm caused to individuals with speech impairments.
Additionally, the Coalition called on the former President to clarify that stammering or any form of speech impairment is in no way indicative of dishonesty or deceit, helping to dispel harmful stereotypes.
The Coalition maintained that a public apology from Former President John Dramani Mahama for his hurtful comments about stammering would be a significant step towards promoting a more inclusive and compassionate society.
CCPWDs noted that by acknowledging the harm caused by his words, the former President would demonstrate respect for the dignity of all individuals, including those with disabilities.
According to the Coalition, this apology would show that the former President values and recognizes the worth of every person, regardless of their abilities or challenges.
The Coalition also underscored a crucial aspect of building a truly inclusive society: the need for political parties to prioritize the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
This emphasis is long overdue, as individuals with disabilities have historically been marginalized and excluded from the political process.
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