Disabled Persons Offended by Mahama’s Stammering Comment

A group calling itself the Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) has taken offence in former President John Dramani Mahama’s recent commentary about stammering, demanding an apology.

The former President, while commenting on the NPP’s “ill-intentioned” decision to hold a presser a day after his party- the National Democratic Congress (NDC)- launched its 2024 Manifesto, said the move exposed the dishonesty of the governing party’s flagbearer, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

The former President in his speech at a campaign event highlighted that Bawumia tended to stammer in the course of his media engagement, adding that it reflected his dishonesty.

This appears to have offended the group of disabled individuals which includes stammerers.

In a press statement on August 30, it said the remarks by the NDC Presidential Candidate have the propensity to reinforce stereotypes and stigma against stammerers in the country as well as derail strides made in ensuring 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 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 group wants a public apology from Mr Mahama. This, it said, would affirm his respect for the disabled.

“We respectfully call on former President John Dramani Mahama to publicly apologise for his comment.”