Seventy four disabled persons have been employed by the New Patriotic Party government to operate some toll booths across the country.

The first part of the initiative to give toll booths management to the disabled was launched yesterday at the Pobiman toll booth in the Greater Accra region by the Minister of Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako Atta.

The Pobiman Toll booth which is one of the thirty five booths across the country is solely managed by the Ghana Highway Authority.

Mr Amoako Atta noted that although persons with disabilities are sometimes seen as nuisance by society, President Nana Akufo-Addo recognizes their potential and believe they can contribute significantly to the growth the economy if given the opportunity.

He gave the assurance that by the end of the year, 200 PWDs would be recruited to manage other toll booths, adding that those already employed had been carefully selected and trained for the job with the hope that they would deliver excellently.

Mr Amoako Atta revealed that government intends to automate the booths to prevent managers from diverting monies into their private pockets, adding that anyone found culpable of tampering with the system would be made to face the law.

He tasked Ministries, Departments and Agencies to open their doors to the disabled.

Chairman of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, Ofori Debrah, expressed appreciation to President Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP government for creating opportunities for Persons with Disabilities to be absorbed into the job market.

According to him, the tollbooth management initiative that had been given to PWDs in the country is a step in the right direction since it serves as an avenue for them to be absorbed into the job market, raising their economic status and enhance their social image in society.

Mr Debrah observed that the social acceptance of Persons With Disabilities is guaranteed and that by giving them opportunities to work and contribute to the development of the country, there is every reason for government to be sure that its determination to do away with PWDs on the streets begging, would materialize.

“This is a step to make them work hard to acquire skills to be absorbed in the job market, and we appreciate government for that,” he said.

Mr Debrah also indicated that government had taken steps to ensure that PWDs were given pride of place in the Ghanaian society.

“The GFD is impressed about the steps taken by the ministry to ensure that the federation is involved in the recruitment of the people.

The federation facilitated recruitment, ensuring that everyone has the information, those who expressed interest applied and 250 applications were received. 172 made themselves available for interviewed and 74 have initially been taken on board,” he revealed.

He however appealed to government, not to make the tool booth management initiative the only opportunity for PWDs but open more avenues for them to be employed.

“Government should initiate an employment policy which will open more doors to include PWDs into the job market,” he appealed.

Two of the newly recruited persons, Stella Ahiagbede and Felix Baku, told the Daily Statesman they were happy for the opportunity and thanked the NPP administration for the initiative.