We are not getting access to public facilities,transport,etc.

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.