A former Minister of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, Dr. Henry Seidu Daanaa, has encouraged Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to believe in themselves and aspire for greatness.
He said being physically challenged does not inhibit PWDs from realising their dreams hence his call on them to shake off the notion that disability means inability.
Speaking at the Dream Edition of the Starr Woman Project in Accra on Tuesday, December 05, 2017 at the GS Plaza Hotel, Dr. Daanaa spurred PWDs on to rather see their situation as an “opportunity to shine.”
Dr. Daanaa, who is a trained lawyer and visually impaired, warned the participants – mostly PWDs – they will face a lot of stumbling blocks in life but must remain focused since “God has a special place for everyone.”
“Disability does not mean inability. Trust in God and his wisdom. Let’s believe that even with one talent you do what you can do and leave it to God in heaven. Put your trust in God. If you make a mistake of being bitter you’ll end up blaming God or your parents,” he advised.
He added: “Some people will laugh at you and discourage you, but don’t mind those people. When I decided to be a lawyer people discouraged me and even wanted me to go into teaching to have my peace. If others have decided to go higher and you decide to stay low, is that peace?”
According to him, the same people who mock persons with disability when they take up challenges, are the same persons who shower praises when success is chalked.
“Don’t listen to those who say you can’t do it,” Dr. Daanaa counseled, adding: “They undermine you and threaten you.”
“Let us not guide God, let God guide us. It’s God who has given everyone a talent. It’s a risk you’ve taken… those who will discourage you are the same people who will come and praise you. If you don’t respect yourselves no one will respect you. Don’t take a risk that will put you into trouble.
“Aim high and don’t offend people and don’t aim low because you’ll offend someone. Aim to be a billionaire and God will put you someone,” Dr. Daanaa opined.
The General Manager, Radio and Print of EIB Network, Kwasi Anim Adjei, advised PWDs to believe in their dreams no matter how small it may be.
“We are not here because we feel pity for anybody. We are all here as full human beings and we are here because we believe in dreams. Every human being has got a disability but in God’s eyes, we are all the same.
“We are here because we believe in your dream. We believe so much in your dream and we will make it come true,” he assured.
On her part, the Project Lead and Group News Editor of EIB Network, Eyram Bashan, noted the daring few who have taken up to running their own businesses lack
funding hence the need for such projects to support PWDs.
“This project is working together to accomplish Ghana’s own commitment to accelerate entrepreneurship especially among the youth. We will be operating in the Northern, Ashanti and Greater Accra regions. We will work in various districts in these regions.
“This official launch is just a tip of the iceberg of the major work we will be doing in the districts throughout the three-year period,” Mrs. Bashan said.
The Dream Edition of Starr Woman Project is being sponsored by Star Ghana, European Union, UKAID, and DANIDA. The Dream Edition is aimed at giving hope to PWDs.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM
