Accessibility
to public transport system and facilities in Ghana by persons with disabilities
(PWDs) are much to be desired with. The Disability Act 715 was enacted in 2006
with a moratorium for 10 years to make sure all public facilities become
accessibility friendly to all PWDs but it has never been done.
The Ministry
for Gender and Social Welfare which is responsible for Persons with
Disabilities are not accessibility friendly, The Parliament house which houses
the legislative body of the country is not disability friendly so how will they
make sure the Disability Act 715 is adhered to?
The
unfortunate incident that prevented Miss Rita Kriba from boarding the AWA over
the weekend stems from inadequate public education by the airline.
The
following are the conditions outlined on their website:
7.2 Special
Assistance
7.2.1 Disability
7.2.1.1 Acceptance for carriage of incapacitated persons,
persons with illness or other people requiring special assistance is subject to
prior arrangement with us. Further details can be found in the rules and
regulations which are posted on our website or are available on request.
Passengers with disabilities who have advised us of any special requirements
they may have at the time of ticketing, and been accepted by us, shall not
subsequently be refused carriage on the basis of such disability or special
requirements.
7.2.1.2 Wheelchairs will be provided without charge. The
number of wheelchair passengers may be limited from time to time. For further details,
see the rules and regulations which are posted on our website or are available
on request.
For the avoidance of doubt,
Africa World Airlines will ensure that customers with disabilities are treated
with equal rights and duty of care as all passengers and that enjoy their
flight with us. We provide assistance to customers with questions regarding the
process of reservations, checking-in, emplaning and deplaning, in-flight and
upon reaching their destination.
Information can be found by calling
our representatives at our ticket offices or at the airport.
If a passenger purchases a ticket from an external source and fails to inform
the airline about their condition we will endeavour to do all we can to assist
at the airport within our guidelines and policies. We will ensure provision of
the following:
7.2.1.2.1 Transport of persons with disabilities (termed PWD)
or persons with reduced mobility (termed PRM) of any kind unless there is a
specific safety-related regulation that requires us not to do so.
7.2.1.2.2 Transport of Wheelchair customers specifically
passengers who are able to ascend/descend the aircraft steps and make their own
way to the cabin seat but cannot walk long distances. THIS IS CODED WHCR
PASSENGERS.
7.2.1.2.3 Transport of wheelchairs and other assistance
devices for personal use at no charge. We also offer enplaning, deplaning and
changing flights. Attention should be brought to our representatives of the
persons’ condition upon ticket purchase.
7.2.1.2.4 If the passenger has not given prior notice to the
airline the airline will still endeavour to ensure that all possible arrangements
are made to assist the passenger.
7.2.1.2.5 Pre-boarding to allocate a suitable seat. Customers
with disabilities are NOT allowed to sit at the emergency exit rows.
7.2.1.2.6 Receipt of checked wheelchair or other assistance
device upon disembarking or at baggage claim.
7.2.1.2.7 Emplaning and Deplaning of passenger: While we go
to great lengths to properly train all our staff, we must be available to help
people with disabilities board and exit the plane. However, at this stage our
staff are not permitted to hand-carry passengers on and off aircraft, i.e., to
directly pick up a passenger’s body in the arms of airline personnel.
7.2.1.2.8 AWA is not equipped to transport medical oxygen or
other hazardous materials and/or contained gas either in the passenger cabin or
as cargo or baggage.
7.2.1.2.9 AWA is not insured, permitted or equipped to hand
carry any passenger that is unable to assist themselves on board an AWA
aircraft, even if they are able to walk but need a trained and accredited
bearer. THIS IS CODED WCHC OR WCHS passenger
7.2.1.2.10 AWA personnel are not insured, permitted or
equipped with an ON BOARD WHEELCHAIR to be used to take passengers with
disabilities to the lavatory.
7.2.1.2.11 Due to the size and category of our EMBRAER 145 J
aircraft we are not permitted to carry MOTORIZED WHEELCHAIRS with dry or
wet-cell batteries.
7.2.1.2.12 AWA is not equipped to transport customers who
require stretchers, incubators, respirators, or other devices that may rely on
aircraft power supply.
From their own regulations Miss Kriba shouldn’t have been
refused access into the aircraft and this is a discrimination towards her by the
staff of the airline. Discriminating against any Person with Disability is unacceptable
and must be condemned.
Persons with Disabilities deserve equal opportunities as none persons with disabilities.
Public awareness and education on Disability issues must be paramount to help each person.
Credit: Africa World Airline.
Fig. 2 The bus must have a ramp to aid PWDs 
