Three Ghanaian Airlines Refused To Pick Disabled Nigerian Passenger

According to Punch, three Ghanaian domestic airlines have barred a physically-challenged Nigerian, Ndifreke Andrew-Essien from travelling. One of the airlines had even refused to refund her.
The three airlines, Africa World Airlines, Antrak Air and Starbow Airlines told the Nigerian that she could not board the plane from Accra to Tamale because she used a wheelchair.

“I live in Port Harcourt (Rivers state) where I run a non-profit organisation. I secured an internship with an organisation in Ghana and I was posted to Salaga, which is in the Northern province of Ghana. The route via air, is Port Harcourt to Lagos; Lagos to Accra and Accra to Tamale. My flights were booked by an agent. On getting to the domestic airport in Accra, I presented my ticket to the airline—Africa World Airline— where my reservations had been made for the Accra-Tamale stretch, but was called aside by the airline official who told me I would not be able to fly with the airline.

“He stated that the airline does not fly with wheelchair-bound passengers, because they don’t have facilities for such a purpose. I told them it wouldn’t be a problem as I had experienced the general lack of facilities when it comes to persons with disabilities. I assured the airline staff that I was ready to work with the airline despite its inadequacy,” Andrew-Essien said.

However, airport officials didn’t show understanding for her situation by saying: “We don’t fly wheelchair-bound passengers. It is not our policy”.

Upset Andrew-Essien was forced to travel by road which took about 13 hours to reach her destination. However, she stressed that the discriminatory policy would not stop her achieving her aim.

“Persons with disabilities are faced with all kinds of issues when it comes to inclusion. This is a clear example of how, in the 21st century, Africa is still not forward-thinking in building a continent for all its citizens,” she noted.

Andrew-Essien has called on Africa World Airlines and the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority to put an end to the discriminatory policy by providing necessary equipment that will allow physically-challenged people to travel.

 

 

Punch