Persons with Disabilities Request Apology from Former President John Dramani Mahama Over Comment Towards Stammerers
The Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities
(CCPWDs)
PRESS RELEASE
Date: Friday, 30th August 2024
Request for Apology from Former President John Dramani Mahama for Insensitive Comments Towards Stammerers
As an organization committed to the protection of the rights and dignity of
persons with disabilities in Ghana, the Coalition of Concerned Persons with
Disabilities(CCPWDs) expresses our deep concern and disappointment regarding
recent comments made by Former President John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), when he was commenting on the Press engagement of the Flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party – Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of the Republic of Ghana.
In a public statement, Former President Mahama reportedly remarked that Dr.
Bawumia, who typically speaks fluently, began to stammer during a media encounter. He went further to suggest that such stammering is a sign of dishonesty, stating that “any person who does that is a liar.”
We, the members of the CCPWDS, find these remarks to be deeply offensive and an unfortunate misrepresentation of individuals who stammer. Stammering, also known as stuttering, is a speech disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, including many in Ghana. It is not a reflection of one’s honesty, intelligence, or competence. Such comments from a prominent public figure not
only perpetuate harmful stereotypes but also reinforce negative attitudes towards people with speech impairments and other disabilities.
Linking stammering with dishonesty perpetuates harmful stereotypes and
reinforces stigma which does not promote inclusivity. Ghana has made considerable strides in promoting inclusivity and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. We believe that public figures, especially those with the influence of Former President Mahama, have a responsibility to uphold and
further these efforts by promoting understanding and empathy, not by making
disparaging comments.
The former President instead of telling us- people with disabilities how we are oing to benefit from his 24 hour economy policy has rather found it necessary to denigrate and stigmatize persons with disabilities.
It is true that Mr. John Mahama has no record of any single policy he implemented during his tenure as Vice President and later President of the Republic that sought to promote the welfare of persons with disabilities, which⅞⁶we do not begrudge him but his act of gross disrespect for PWDs would not be condoned.
We respectfully call on Former President John Dramani Mahama to publicly apologize for his comments and clarify that stammering or any form of speech impairment does not reflect dishonesty or deceit. This apology will go a long way showing that he respects the dignity of all persons, including those with
disabilities, and that he is committed to promoting a more inclusive and
understanding society.
Source: KessbenNewsroom
