Accra: Mr. Dodzi Addison Mornyuie, the Central Tongu District Chief Executive, has called on all stakeholders within the district to take active and sustained roles in protecting and promoting the rights of children with visual impairments. His remarks were made during a public sensitisation programme on inclusive child welfare, where he stressed the importance of collaborative action beyond legislative frameworks.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Mornyuie emphasized the need for society to contribute daily to the dignity and well-being of these children, despite existing laws such as the Children's Act and the Persons with Disability Act. He highlighted the indispensable role of community stakeholders in achieving this goal.
The DCE specifically urged traditional leaders-Chiefs and Queen Mothers-to leverage their respected positions to advocate for the inclusion and protection of children with visual impairments. He called for confronting and dismantling harmful traditional beliefs that lead to stigma, advocating instead for these children to be embraced and integrated into society.
Mr. Mornyuie also appealed to religious leaders, including Pastors and Chief Imams, to use their platforms to promote compassion, dignity, and equal treatment. He encouraged them to denounce discrimination and guide their congregations toward supporting inclusive services.
He further highlighted the crucial role of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and civil society organizations (CSOs) in leading advocacy, capacity building, and inclusive education efforts. These organizations, he noted, play a unique role in ensuring children with visual impairments are integrated into all aspects of society.
Addressing government institutions, Mr. Mornyuie stressed the importance of coordinated service delivery among various departments, including the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Department of Children, the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Department of Social Welfare. He underscored the need for effective policy implementation, financial allocation, and professional training to support inclusive development.
The DCE also pointed to the responsibility of schools and educators in embracing inclusive education. He called for the provision of accessible learning materials, safe classroom environments, and supportive teaching methods for visually impaired students. Additionally, he urged the media to raise awareness and steer public discourse on the rights and potential of these children.
In closing, Mr. Mornyuie stated, 'This is not an act of charity; it is an issue of justice. Looking after children with visual impairments affirms their dignity, strengthens our communities, and upholds our shared values of equality and inclusion.'
