A group representing persons with disabilities in Ghana has issued a strong condemnation of Malik Afari Duodu, a visually impaired individual popularly known as the Blind Historian or Bulgaria, for his public attacks on Nana Oheneba Ntim Berima, a philanthropist who supported him for over a decade.
The group, comprising individuals with visual impairment, many of whom were schoolmates with Duodu and witnessed firsthand the help and support Oheneba offered him, says his actions are a betrayal of the kindness and generosity shown to him.
Background and how the relationship began
Nana Oheneba Ntim Berima adopted Afari Duodu when he was in basic school, a time when he was reportedly abandoned by his family, and provided for him all the way through the university level
This selfless act of kindness gave Duodu the opportunity to pursue his dreams and develop his unique talent for telling political and sports historical stories, which eventually earned him a spot in the media limelight.
How the dispute started
According to sources, the troubles between Afari Duodu and Oheneba Ntim Berima began when Duodu publicly requested a laptop, despite already being provided with two laptops by Oheneba. This led to a misunderstanding between the two, with Oheneba questioning Duodu’s motives for making the public request.
Duodu subsequently packed out of Oheneba’s house and has since engaged in a vicious public battle against his former benefactor, refusing to apologise despite several attempts by family members and well-meaning individuals to resolve the situation.
Escalation and the group’s reaction
The group noted that Afari Duodu’s recent YouTube video, in which he unleashed abusive attacks on Oheneba Ntim Berima, was the final straw. Consequently, they have launched a media campaign to defend the philanthropist and clear the air regarding the matter.
In a statement signed by Gilbert Boateng Agyare, Convener of the Group, they expressed deep concern that Duodu’s actions set a dangerous precedent, potentially discouraging others from offering support to persons with disabilities who rely on benevolent activities and the kind-hearted individuals to survive.
“We are shocked and disappointed by his ingratitude, and we feel compelled to speak out against his actions,” the statement read. “It’s clear that our brother has forgotten the sacrifices Oheneba made for him”.
The statement elaborated on the depth of Oheneba’s support, noting that it extended beyond financial aid to include emotional and social guidance, which was instrumental in helping Duodu navigate the challenges of visual impairment.
“Voluntarily extending kind gestures such as financial support to someone like our brother who is not a relative of Oheneba Ntim Berima is a selfless task that requires immense emotional and physical labour,” the statement read.
Key points emphasised by the group
The group emphasised that showing gratitude is essential, and ingratitude is a human issue, not a disability issue.
“Ungrateful attitude does not lie in disability but rather the idiosyncrasy of a human being. Hence showing ingratitude can be done by anyone regardless of the condition of the person,” they stated.
They also stressed that persons with disabilities are not defined by their disability, but by their character and actions.
The group officially apologised to Nana Oheneba Ntim Berima on behalf of Duodu and called for an immediate cessation of insults and a public apology.
“We wish to officially call on the public to liaise with us as a group to render an unqualified apology to our father Nana Oheneba Ntim Berima for the emotional trauma and the mental anguish that he has gone through for the past six years because of our brother and friend Bulgaria,” the statement added.
The group also called on the media to refrain from amplifying Duodu’s claims, which they described as “false and vituperative”.
They urged the public to disregard Duodu’s statements and stand in solidarity with caregivers who serve with love.
“Social harmony depends on mutual respect. We stand in solidarity with Nana Oheneba Ntim Berima and all caregivers who serve with love, only to be met with ingratitude,” the group stated.
The group further appealed to Malik Afari Duodu to reflect on his conduct and acknowledge the very person who provided for him when he was most vulnerable.
“We urge him to seek help and counseling to address the issues that have led him to behave in this manner,” the statement added.
The statement concluded: “We are proud of Oheneba Ntim Berima’s contributions to our community, and we will continue to support him in his efforts to make a positive impact. We urge others to do the same, and to join us in condemning Duodu’s actions.”
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
