NPP opens first-ever PWDs secretariat

The governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) further to the step taken by its presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia in appointing Joshua Makubu, the immediate past Oti Regional Minister, as the Campaign Coordinator for Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) and Special Needs, has opened a Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) Secretariat, marking a significant milestone in the history of the party since its inception in 1992.

Speaking during the official opening of the NPP PWDs Secretariat at Kokomlemle, Accra, yesterday, NPP National Chairman, Stephen Ayesu Ntim, said the establishment of the PWDs Secretariat shows the NPP’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and representation within its ranks.

Mr Ntim expressed gratitude to President Akufo-Addo for his unwavering support in establishing the facility. He hailed this achievement as one of the many legacies of the President’s administration and leadership within the party. He appreciated the International Republican Institute (IRI) for its pivotal role in facilitating, coordinating, and providing resource support for the establishment of the secretariat.

He acknowledged the leadership of Madam Rita Talata Asobayire, 2nd National Vice Chairperson, and her committee. Mr Ntim lauded their dedication and efforts in spearheading the process that led to the creation of the national secretariat for PWDs.

Gratitude

Mr Ntim also expressed gratitude to the beneficiaries of the secretariat, Persons With Disabilities, for their continuous advocacy and active participation in the establishment of the secretariat. Highlighting the pivotal role of the secretariat, Mr Ntim stressed its function as the focal point for addressing, coordinating, and attending to all matters related to persons living with disabilities. He reaffirmed the party’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

The National Chairman pledged close collaboration with the secretariat, including providing necessary resources and support to realize its objectives. He announced plans to appoint national coordinators to administer the secretariat, mirroring the party’s organizational structure, and assured of the party’s commitment to facilitating a smooth transition and operational setup.

He stressed that the establishment of the PWDs secretariat strengthens the NPP’s inclusive DNA, empowering all members, especially persons living with disabilities, and amplifying their voices within the party’s democratic framework.

Commendation

For her part, Mrs Rita Talata Asobayire, the 2nd Vice Chairperson of the NPP, lauded the efforts of all regional chairpersons of the party, culminating in the establishment of the secretariat. She commended the dedication and commitment demonstrated by the regional leaders in advancing the party’s goals and objectives.

Mrs Asobayire emphasised the significance of the newly established secretariat as a pivotal milestone in enhancing the party’s organizational structure and operational efficiency.

She reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and partnership with both internal stakeholders and external partners. She stressed the party’s readiness to work closely with the IRI and other relevant entities to address challenges and seize opportunities for growth and development.

Marginal groups in politics

Mr Sunday Alao, the Resident Programmes Coordinator of the International Republican Institute (IRI), a non-governmental organisation committed to advancing democracy globally, emphasised the crucial role of political parties in fostering the inclusion of marginal groups in political processes.

Mr Alao revealed that the IRI had been actively engaging with political parties to identify stakeholders and leaders sympathetic to the cause of inclusivity. He said this initiative recently led to a meeting with Rita Talata Asobayire, 2nd Vice Chairperson of the NPP, during which the overall vision of the party was discussed, and suggestions from the IRI were welcomed.

He indicated that following this meeting, the IRI organized a workshop inviting representatives from all 16 regions along with party leaders. He said the workshop focused on addressing the challenges faced by persons with disabilities (PWDs) and exploring ways to support them in overcoming these hurdles.

Mr Alao commended the NPP for its openness and receptiveness to the issues raised by the IRI, noting that the party promptly acted upon the recommendations. He particularly praised the integration of PWDs into the party’s campaign structure, citing Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s appointment of Joshua Makubu, a former Oti Minister, as the campaign coordinator for PWDs and Special Needs.

Mr Alao also applauded the establishment of the PWDs Secretariat within the NPP, providing a dedicated space for engaging in operations beneficial to the party during elections. He expressed gratitude to the leadership of the NPP and reaffirmed the IRI’s commitment to supporting the party in strengthening its structure.

Good news

Dr Kwesi Kyei, speaking on behalf of PWDs representatives, endorsed the establishment of the PWDs Secretariat, emphasising its potential to significantly contribute to the party’s electoral success. He highlighted the importance of recognizing the voting power of PWDs in elections and emphasised the pivotal role they play in determining electoral outcomes.

He added that collaboration between the IRI and the NPP reflects a concerted effort to promote inclusivity and strengthen democratic processes by ensuring the active participation of marginalized groups in the country’s political affairs.

Reporting by Wilberforce Asare in Accra

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