Two people from Ghana write their stories
A Brief Story about Kwame Owusu-Quainoo
by his mother Susana yaa Quainoo
Kwame was born on 3 June 2006 at the Narh-Bita hospital, a private hosptiral in Tema. The nurses of the Tema General Hospital (a Government Hospital) were on strike action at the time I was in labour so I was taken to the private hospital where we had to pay more. After birth we realised that Kwame Owusu was born with multiple deformities (talipes) - we 
realised he had arms without elbows, club foot and wrist, incorrect spine etc. The doctor on duty advised us to take him to Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital for correction to be done, that is if there is any, so we took him there when he was 3 days old. After a thorough examination by some experts, Owusu's wrist and legs were put in casts which had to be removed and recast every week and sometimes two weeks. This treatment continued for almost a year. There was some corrections done.
He reached a point where he moved around by dragging himself on the buttocks. We thought he will not be able to stand and walk by himself so we became content with the way he dragged himself around and he remained in this condition for 15 months.
Owusu started lifting himself up without any help until he was able to stand and after some time he started moving the legs, though with some difficulties. All to our amazement. By the help of the physiotherapists, Owusu can now walk well but as a layman I think something else can be done to improve his condition.
We give glory to Almighty God
Solomon Ekow Quainoo
Susana yaa Quainoo
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Disability in Ghana
by Mohammed Muktar Abu
Muktar (21), who is physically disabled himself, has a dream: that all people, disabled or non-disabled, are treated as equal. He writes about the problems he encounters and shares with us his solutions.
Accra, December 15, 2008
I want all disabled people to get out of the house, go to school and work, so they can contribute to our beautiful country. There are a lot of disabled people that stay at home all day. This is very unnecessary!
First, people have to understand what a disability is. Sometimes it is very difficult for them to understand. When a mother gives birth, she is afraid when the child is disabled. She feels shy to bring the child out and she is ashamed. Therefore, she keeps it inside and does not go to the doctor, or to school, or anywhere.
People can react very hostile to disabled people. When I was in my neighborhood the other day, I wanted to buy an eraser. I pointed to the lady of the shop what I wanted to buy. She did not want to sell anything and shouted: “Go away! You are a witch!” This made me feel a bit sad. If I could tell her now, I would say that it is not fair. She doesn’t have to be afraid!
What can we do to fight these problems? At first, the government has to make people aware. They have to explain to the people what disability is. Education is very important.
Next, the government in Ghana must also give us disabled people support. There are not enough schools for disabled people, and it can be difficult to go to a regular school because the teachers are not special educators. The government should give the schools support, by listening to what they need and supply them.
What can disabled people do themselves?
We have to tell people what it is to be disabled. We can show them what we are able to do in and around the house, at school and at work. This is very important!
We should also appeal to the government of Ghana to give us support. Not only the schools need support, but also the disabled who have to go to a private school. We have to ask the government not only for more good schools, but also for facilities in public places, so that these are accessible. For instance transport, or going to a park must be made a lot easier”.
‘I want all disabled people to stand up and fight for our rights. We are all equal!’