A man with a severe stammer has made a public plea to telecommunication companies in Ghana, urging them to offer special airtime discounts for people with speech difficulties. Though the man’s identity remains undisclosed, his message has resonated with many, as he highlighted the challenges faced by those who stammer in making phone calls.
In an impassioned statement on Angel FM, the man called on major telecom providers, including MTN and Telecel, to consider offering free or discounted airtime to individuals with speech impediments. He explained that the typical airtime value, such as GH¢10, often doesn’t last through a single call due to the additional time it takes him to communicate.
“I plead that MTN or Vodafone (Telecel) give those of us who stammer free airtime,” he said. “We suffer o! It’s sad because GH¢10 credit, before I finish speaking to the other person… me too I don’t want people to complete my statements for me during dialogues, I hate it.”
The man’s comments reflect the frustration experienced by many people with speech challenges, who often face difficulties in communicating without interruptions or having others finish their sentences. His plea has sparked conversations on social media about inclusivity and accessibility in telecommunications, with many calling on telecom providers to consider tailored services for those with special needs.
As of now, neither MTN nor Telecel has responded to the man’s request. However, his plea underscores a broader issue of inclusivity in everyday services for people with disabilities, sparking a conversation that could lead to change in the way telecoms support customers with special communication needs.