STAKEHOLDER ANALYSIS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED PEOPLE IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS

Abstract

The central focus of this study is on factors that bring about discrimination against physically challenged people in the Tamale Metropolis. Negative stereotypes about physically challenged people result in discriminatory social policies which in turn reinforce or confirm negative attitudes that greatly affect them as they strive to function in the society. These problems create some difficulties as the physically challenged persons strive to effectively play active role in various sectors of the society. The main objective of the study is to find out the factors that perpetuate discriminatory practices against physically challenged people in Tamale metropolis. The study adopted both quantitative and qualitative methods in discussing the data obtained. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to collect data for the study. Among the key findings of the study were: the physical challenged have less clearly defined notions and focus in life. The physically challenged persons felt they were being mocked and ridiculed leading to their spirits being dampened. The various forms of discrimination experienced by the physically challenged were identified as stigmatization, being treated as outcasts, considered as evil spirits, socially unaccepted and improper integration into society. The following recommendations were made based on the key findings indicated above, government and other institutions working to provide welfare for the physically challenged should strengthen the capacity of the physically challenged so as to effectively deal with the issues of negative tendencies against them. The capacities of the physically challenged persons should be built to a level that will make them effective in all of their endeavours. Issues that directly affect the physically challenged persons should always be handled by the physically challenged persons themselves and other level-headed people for effective decision making.