The Youth Bridge Foundation (YBF) in collaboration with Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) has premiered its new Television (TV) series dubbed “PUZZLED” based on the Child and Family Welfare Policy (CFWP) 2015 for Ghanaians to be able to understand and appreciate the Policy.
The TV series is the translation of the Policy into a format that is easily accessible and appreciated.
It is to bring to bare some of the inhumane torture churned out to the youth, marginalized and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Mr Seth Oteng, the Executive Director of YBF addressing audience at the premiering in Accra on Friday said the TV series which is to be aired on TV3 Network is the translation of issues bothering around family welfare and issues that advances the course of PWDs.
“We decided to dramatize the whole concept with the idea of changing the status quo, saying, considering the marginalized in society, it is critical for all to support and advance their course,” he said.
Mr Oteng who is also the Executive Producer of the TV series noted that, young people make up 72 per cent of the population with about 50 per cent dropping out of Junior High school, adding that; “With each passing day in Ghana people especially the youth and persons with disability have issues to deal with that cannot be put behind the shelves.”
He said the 13-episode TV series has different messages to address targeted persons with disability and people living in rural communities, stakeholders and the public in each episode.
Mr Oteng commended OSIWA for funding the series and congratulated the cast, crew and staff of YBF for their commitment and hard work towards the realization of this TV series, saying, “It is their hope that it will be able to achieve its purpose.”
Madam Dzifa Abla Gomashie, the Former Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Art, commended the Foundation for the initiative aimed at supporting the vulnerable in society by showcasing their rights through the series.
She said TV series is such an enabler, creating the platform for issues of all kinds to be discussed or talked about, adding that; “It has the potential of changing the mind set of people.”
Mr Alex Williams, a Representative of the Ghana Blind Union, said all PWDs on daily basis have to deal with the issue of what they could do as disabled, saying, society always renders them redundant because of their disability.
He commended YBF for fighting for their course and trying to include them in such as an educative series, saying, “Persons with disability must be allowed to play their roles in movies as persons not suffering with any disability are those who turn to play their roles tend to portray different images of them,” he said.
Mr Williams observed that, the disability community looks up to the series as a role model, a path to go down, to ensure to include PWDs and to show their capabilities that they can do much better than expected.
Ms Lydia Forson, an award winning Actress, Writer and Producer, who is the lead actress in the TV series assured the public to look out for the series which would change their perception totally about PWDs and the vulnerable in society.
She expressed appreciation to YBF for choosing her to play the lead role in the series, saying it had exposed her and broaden her knowledge extensively on issues about disability.
The premiere of the latest Ghanaian TV series, “PUZZLED”, had a successful turnout at the Executive Theater at the TV3 Network Limited.
Before and after premiering, “PUZZLED” would be discussed on various media platforms to ensure that, a large number of individuals are reached with the information and education to protect and respect the rights of every child, PWDs in Ghana and across Africa and ensure their wellbeing.
This is a TV series where Lydia deals with a myriad of cases including her personal life issues which she will go all length to hide from the public. Will “Korkor”, as she is known in the TV series be able to save the world with her skeletons like shadows lurking in the dark? How can she save the world alone? What is she up against?
This is a soul touching series with a rippling effect that will leave you spell bound. This exciting series is a Pan-African Project.
After, the premiere of the TV series it can confidently be said that, it has won the hearts of many movie lovers.
“PUZZLED” is expected to be aired on Tv3.
BY YBF COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT