Nkoranza (B/A), Nov 16, GNA - Physically handicapped women at Nkoranza have expressed concern over the refusal of some parents in the area to allow their sons to marry them.

They stated at a forum that parents of men who proposed to marry them later withdrew such proposals due to pressure from their parents. "Even those who are already married to disabled women are forced by their parents to abandon the marriage," they said at the forum organised by the Nkoranza District Society of the Physically Challenged on Tuesday.

Addressing the forum Mr James Kwabena Appiah-Awuah, the Nkoranza District Chief Executive, called on the people to support and assist the physically challenged.

He said the government had great concern for the welfare of the physically challenged, hence the passage of the Disability Bill. Mr Appiah-Awuah pledged the district assembly's support to the physically challenged and presented them with a cheque for 20 million cedis from the assembly's Common Fund. Mr Richard Awumbura, District Education Peripatetic Officer, urged pregnant women to desist from taking hard drugs or alcohol as the practice could cause their unborn babies to become disabled. Mr Effah Guakro, the Chairman of the Society, said about 70 physically handicapped persons in the district had registered with the Society.

He appealed to NGOs, individuals and religious bodies to assist the Society to purchase working tools as well as other materials to carry out their activities. Members of the Society have established a craft production and trading centre where they undertake dressmaking, batik tie and dye printing, shoe making, carpentry and radio repairs. 16 Nov 06