President Akufo Addo after addressing party supporters at the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency before the by-elections had made comments that were unpleasing to People with Disabilities (PWDs).

Following the comments, the President has rendered an unqualified apologies to the group.

In his speech prior to the by-elections, the President had said, “we came to fix Ghana, and in these two years, it is only those who are blind or deaf who are not aware that indeed we have done something.”

The  Federation of Disability Organisations had expressed their grievances over the comments.

The President wrote on his Facebook handle, “Vis-à-vis the comments I made at the final rally prior to the holding of the by-election at Ayawaso West Wuogon, which was won by the NPP candidate so emphatically, I am glad the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations recognizes it was a “political metaphor”. I did not intend any slight on Persons with Disabilities, nor would I ever, and I hope they know that.

“If there has been any Government that has been on the side of Persons with Disabilities, it is my Government. We have increased the share of the District Assemblies Common Fund to Persons with Disabilities from 2% to 3%, and we have also ensured the implementation of our pledge of employing 50% of the persons who manage the country’s toll booths from amongst Persons with Disabilities. I apologise for any unintended slight from the ‘political metaphor’”.

The by-elections that took place at the Ayawaso West-Wuogon constituency helped the NPP retain the seat following the demise of the former MP for the area.

The candidate for the ruling party retained the seat after polling 60% of the total vote cast.

The NDC boycotted the elections after some unrest took place at the La Bawaleshie polling station on Thursday January 31 2019.