Bagbin’s Apology Unacceptable – GFD

The Ghana Federation of Disabilities Organisations(GFD), has rejected the apology from The Second Deputy Speaker of Parliment, Hon Alban Kingsford Sumani Bagbin for comments he made on the appointment of Dr Seidu Danaa, who served as a Minister for Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs under the John-Mahama led administration.

Their rejection comes following an apology from The Second Deputy Speaker rendered with regards to his comments. The Nadowli Kaleo MP in his address to the Press on, Tuesday, August 28, 2018, said,

“I assure all Ghanaians, especially, Ghana Federations of the Disabled, other civil society organizations and the NDC party who felt offended by the alleged comments of my respect and support for persons with disabilities, I render my heartfelt apologies to you all and I want to take the responsibility,” he added.

However, Speaking to the matter on Accra-based Starr FM, President of the Ghana Federation of Disabilities Organisation(GFD), Yaw Ofori Debra noted, Mr Bagbin’s apology showed no element of regret.

“It was not an apology but justification of what he rather said earlier, and even where he said it was an apology, he said he was apologising because of coming late to explain the matter to the public, According to him, he said he was stating facts, so actually you realise that there was no element of regret so that is why we are not satisfied with what he said.” Mr Yaw Debra added.

Meanwhile, Mr Bagbin in his address to the Press also gave some clarity to his comments, adding that he was quoted out of context.

“I did not say persons with disabilities are not competent to be appointed to public officers or Ministerial positions. What I said is that, wrong decisions were made in placing some government appointees. The wrong placement cost the NDC some votes”. The Nadowli Kaleo MP stressed.