Kumasi, Jan. 21, GNA- Mr. James Boakye-Mensah, National President of the Youth and Students Wing of the Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB) has said lack of skills among the members has been the impediment to securing employment opportunities.

He therefore, urged them to take advantage of the Information Communication and Technology (ICT) to acquire more skills to help them secure employment and contribute meaningfully towards socio-economic development of the country.

Mr. Boakye-Mensah was speaking at the opening of the 15th National Delegates Congress of the Youth and Students Wing of the GAB in Kumasi at the weekend. The three-day congress under the theme; "ICT an effective tool for solving unemployment problems facing blind and partially-sighted youth in Ghana" was attended by 56 delegates selected from all over the country.

He regretted that most employers discriminate against blind people in employment opportunities and appealed to them to stop such practices as the blind were also equally talented in many fields and could also perform well.

Mr Boakye-Mensah commended the Ghana Education Service (GES) for employing most of the members of the GAB, adding that such assistance has helped them to earn their livelihood. He praised the government for passing the Disability Bill and hoped it would be implemented to enable people with disabilities to enjoy their rights at all times.

Mr. Ofori Debrah, National President of the GAB advised the members to lead decent lives and avoid engaging themselves in negative practices which would tarnish the image of the Association. He stressed the need for them to initiate more development programmes to enhance their living conditions.

The National President extended gratitude and appreciation to the out-going executives for their commitment towards the development of the Association and urged the new executives to be elected for another four-year term to continue with the same zeal. Mr Hamid Sadique, out-going National President of the Association said lack of funds and sponsorships had been one of the problems facing the Association to implement its activities and programmes and called on philanthropists, churches and organizations to support them financially.