Loho, (UWR), Aug. 15, GNA - The Catholic Bishop of Wa, Most Reverend Paul Bemile has said the quality of life of any community was measured by its commitment to assist the weak and needy members of society.

He said people with disability must be supported to participate in social life and be helped to fulfil their physical, psychological and spiritual potentials.

Bishop Bemile said this when he cut the sod for work to begin on a 350,000 Euro school project for the mentally and physically challenged children at Loho near Wa in the Upper West region. It is to serve children from the Upper West, Upper East, Northern and Brong Ahafo Regions.

Equal Opportunity Fund, a Netherlands Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) is providing the financial assistance to construct the school. Bishop Bemile said it was only by recognizing the rights of the weakest members of society that the country could be seen to be practicing justice, charity and equity.

He said there was a subtle form of discrimination in policies and educational projects through the proposal of lifestyles and objectives that did not correspond to the reality of disabled persons.

Bishop Bemile said the recognition of the rights of the disabled must be followed with a sincere commitment on the part of all to create practical conditions and structures, which provided support and legal protection to enhance the growth and wellbeing of the disabled.

He said no effort must be spared in promoting the good of disabled persons even if that entailed a greater financial burden. Bishop Bemile thanked the executives and members of Equal Opportunity Fund for providing the financial assistance to construct the school.

"Indeed, you are not just putting up structures, you are carving living icons that reveal the mysterious beauty of the one who emptied himself for our sake", he said.

He encouraged parents and all those who were taking care of mentally and physically challenged children to continue with the good work.

Bishop Bemile commended the government for passing the Disability Bill into law and called for the law to be implemented in a comprehensive manner.