The Chairperson of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region, Solomon Ndoyeni Bugre, has cautioned young people against reckless motorbike riding and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, warning that road crashes are increasing the number of persons living with disabilities in the area.
He said the district continued to record new members of the disability community, many of whom had sustained life-changing injuries in road crashes, including the loss of limbs.
“The growing number of persons with disabilities is putting pressure on the limited resources available to support our welfare and livelihoods. We don't need new members again, so I am appealing to young people to exercise caution on the roads to protect their lives and prevent avoidable disabilities,” he stated
He added that, “Every day, we get new members, and it is through accidents, not even sickness. Some have had their legs or hands amputated, and it is worrying because there is no joy in being a member of our community.”
Mr Bugre made the remarks in an interview with the Daily Graphic in Nabdam after participating in an accountability session, where he made a case for the welfare of his members.
Accident-related disabilities
Mr Bugre said the association continued to receive new members, with road crashes emerging as a major cause of disability among those joining the group.
He said the trend was worrying because many of the new members were young people whose lives and economic prospects had been disrupted by accidents.
“I want to urge motorbike riders to observe road safety regulations and pedestrians to remain vigilant when using the roads. Some of us were unfortunate, so you should take a cue from our experiences because we need you to remain active and protect those of us who are already disabled,” he said.
Limited funds
The chairperson said the increasing number of persons with disabilities in the district had made it difficult for the association to meet the needs of its members, despite an increase in the allocation from the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) from three to five per cent.
Mr Bugre said the association previously had 783 members, but a subsequent registration exercise had identified more than 1,500 people, with additional members still being registered.
“Our book is full, and we don't want to buy a new book to register anybody, so be careful on the road and don't join us,” he stressed.
Mr Bugre called on the government, through the Nabdam District Assembly, to provide more employment and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities, particularly those who had acquired vocational skills but lacked the equipment to practise their trades.
On concerns about some persons with disabilities being left out of support programmes, Mr Bugre appealed to the District Assembly to have them reinstated.
“Most of our members have been left out after the 2025 reassessment for reasons I don't understand.
I am, therefore, appealing to the Social Welfare Department and the Nabdam DCE to intervene and get them reinstated because they are suffering,” he appealed.
Response
Responding to his concerns about some members being left out, the Nabdam District Chief Executive (DCE) explained that a third party was contracted to conduct the registration without the direct involvement of the Social Welfare Department, resulting in several irregularities adding the situation would be rectified.
