The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed outrage at the arrest of disabled toll booth collectors demanding their unpaid salary arrears at the Ministry of Roads.
The incident unfolded when members of the group attempted to seek an audience with the Minister on Wednesday, November 15.
Expressing shock and disbelief, Kakra Essamuah, Communication Director of the NDC, stated, “Reports that the disabled persons could be arrested and detained are a dark blot on the already terribly blackened human rights record of the Akufo-Addo government.”
The disabled toll booth collectors had gone to the Ministry to address the issue of unpaid salary arrears, a matter exacerbated by the closure of toll booths.
The arrest, deemed arbitrary by the NDC, has raised concerns about the treatment of vulnerable populations in the country.
“As our people say, if you have no money for your in-laws, you do not go further to insult them, thus adding insult to injury,” remarked Essamuah.
The NDC accuses the Minister for Roads of ordering the arrest, alleging fear of a meeting with disabled persons. The party pledges to closely monitor the situation, demanding justice for those arrested.
“We will, in accordance with our mandate to hold the government accountable, be watching closely and be demanding justice for those whose only crime for their arrest and detention is an opportunity to engage with the Minister for the resolution of their problems,” asserted Essamuah.