Persons with disabilities demand apology from Mahama over Bawumia stammering comment
The Coalition of Concerned Persons with Disabilities (CCPWDs), an organization dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in Ghana, has expressed deep concern and disappointment over recent remarks made by former President John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The comments were made during his critique of a press engagement by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana and Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Former President Mahama reportedly stated that Dr. Bawumia, who is known for his fluent speaking, began to stammer during the media interaction. He went on to imply that stammering is a sign of dishonesty, suggesting that “any person who does that is a liar.”
The CCPWDs have described these comments as deeply offensive and a gross misrepresentation of individuals who stammer. They stressed that stammering, also known as stuttering, is a speech disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, including many in Ghana, and has no bearing on a person’s honesty, intelligence, or competence.
The coalition emphasized that such statements from a prominent public figure perpetuate harmful stereotypes and 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,” the CCPWDs stated.
The group highlighted that Ghana has made significant progress in promoting inclusivity and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities. They believe that public figures, especially those with influence like Former President Mahama, have a responsibility to support these efforts by fostering understanding and empathy rather than making disparaging comments.
The coalition also criticized the former President for focusing on what they view as denigrating remarks about people with disabilities instead of detailing how his proposed 24-hour economy policy would benefit them.
They noted that during his tenure as Vice President and later as President, Mr. Mahama did not implement any policies aimed at promoting the welfare of persons with disabilities, but they are more concerned with what they see as his current disrespect.
The CCPWDs have called on Former President John Dramani Mahama to issue a public apology for his comments and to clarify that stammering or any form of speech impairment does not equate to dishonesty or deceit. They believe such an apology would demonstrate his respect for the dignity of all individuals, including those with disabilities, and his commitment to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.