The Secretary of the Independent Committee of the CPP Kwame Botsio has shared insights about Ghana’s development regarding the NPP’s manifesto pledge on disability rights in education and the role of the EC in the upcoming 2024 elections.

Mr. Kwame Botsio acknowledged the intentions behind the NPP proposals. He highlighted the need for greater clarity and tangible actions. Mr. Kwame Botsio called for a national commitment to these areas, emphasizing the importance of all political parties prioritizing the needs of vulnerable groups and fostering unity for national development.

Mr. Kwame Botsio expressed his views on the NPP’s manifesto commitment to provide reprieve for persons with disabilities in the education sector.

“…what the NPP seeks to do for people with disabilities seems a bit vague, it is not clear. I think it is, in a way, something that calls the attention of all of us, that people with disabilities need more to be done for them.”
Kwame Botsio Secretary of the Independent Committee of the CPP

Mr. Kwame Botsio further argued for a broader tendency for political parties to make promises without fully outlining actionable steps.

Disability Rights in the Education Sector

Mr. Kwame Botsio pointed out the existing challenges that persons with disabilities face, including the absence of essential infrastructure such as wheelchair ramps and accessible facilities in public spaces. He emphasized that these issues have not been adequately addressed by successive governments, despite occasional rhetoric.

“There are still places where you go, and there are no wheelchair ramps and other facilities for them.”
Kwame Botsio Secretary of the Independent Committee of the CPP

Mr. Kwame Botsio urged other political parties to make firm commitments to the welfare of persons with disabilities. He pointed out that his party has consistently championed disability rights.

Mr. Kwame Botsio emphasized that this issue should be a national priority, not a partisan one. He called for a collective approach from all political parties to champion the cause of persons with disabilities.

“Our party always championed the cause of people with disabilities. I also call on the other parties to also come out to champion the cause of people with disabilities.”
Kwame Botsio Secretary of the Independent Committee of the CPP

Moreover, Mr. Kwame Botsio observed that partisanship in Ghana has often prevented the country from adopting policies that would benefit the population as a whole.

According to Mr. Botsio, political parties are more focused on undermining their opponents rather than working together to solve the pressing challenges facing the nation. He called for a new approach to politics in Ghana, one that prioritizes national development over political gain.

While acknowledging the intentions behind the NPP’s proposals, Mr. Kwame Botsio emphasized the need for more concrete and inclusive policies.

The role of the EC and the Voter Registration

Moreover, Kwame Botsio shared his thoughts on the ongoing voter registration exercise, describing it as a routine process that falls under the mandate of the Electoral Commission (EC). He acknowledged the periodic nature of voter registration, stating that it is “done every once in a while” and emphasizing that it is an essential part of the EC’s responsibilities.

Mr. Kwame Botsio expressed understanding of the concerns raised by political parties, including the NDC, regarding certain aspects of the process. He further pointed out that, despite the challenges, “currently, the EC is doing their best from my perspective and under the current circumstances.”

One of the key points Mr. Kwame Botsio made was the need to respect the independence of the EC. He highlighted that, although political parties have a vested interest in ensuring a fair process, they cannot dictate the commission’s operations.

“…as an independent body, the political parties, as much as we are interested in them doing a fair job, we cannot railroad them into doing things just to suit our homes and purposes.”
Kwame Botsio Secretary of the Independent Committee of the CPP

Mr. Kwame Botsio commended the EC for adhering to their timelines and maintaining communication with political parties. Specifically, Mr. Kwame Botsio appreciated the timely request from the EC for political parties to submit their hard drives for the provisional register.

Mr. Kwame Botsio called on political parties to actively participate in the process by deploying their personnel to thoroughly review the provisional register. He stressed that the exhibition period would be long enough for political parties to scrutinize the register.

“This register is not going to be exhibited for just a day…I think the political parties should also do their bit to assist the EC.”
Kwame Botsio Secretary of the Independent Committee of the CPP