Accra: Stakeholders have called for the enforcement of disability rights and the completion of legislative reforms to promote the full inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in national development.
According to Ghana News Agency, they emphasized that persistent barriers in healthcare, education, employment, and governance continue to limit opportunities for PWDs, highlighting the need for stronger implementation of existing laws and policies. Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, National President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), made the call during the commemoration of the National Day of Persons with Disabilities in Accra.
Mr. Homadzi urged both public and private institutions to comply with the Disability Act, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for PWDs in mainstream employment and decision-making processes. The event was held under the theme: 'From Act to Action: Finalising Reforms and Enforcing Disability Rights Now and Beyond.'
Despite government interventions, Mr. Homadzi noted that many persons with disabilities continue to face challenges in accessing healthcare and employment. He pointed out the high cost of medication as a significant barrier and advocated for the inclusion of more drugs in the health insurance scheme.
Addressing employment challenges, Mr. Homadzi called for collective efforts to remove barriers to the participation of PWDs in society. He appealed for a concerted effort from the public sector, private sector, traditional and opinion leaders, and religious bodies to ensure PWDs' inclusion in various aspects such as education, healthcare, employment, and governance.
Mr. Homadzi highlighted the positive impact of the free tertiary education policy and the increase in the Disability Common Fund allocation to five percent, which he believes will improve educational opportunities for students with disabilities. He also commended President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to supporting pre-tertiary education access for PWDs and efforts towards reenacting the Disability Act.
Madam Demakpor Anaglate, Programme Officer of the Network for Women's Rights in Ghana (NETRIGHT), emphasized the importance of reviewing and reenacting the Disability Act as a critical step toward advancing disability rights and achieving national development goals. She noted that despite the Disability Act's 20-year existence, the Legislative Instrument (LI) required for its full implementation is yet to be finalized.
Madam Anaglate stressed that disability rights are not merely a welfare issue but a developmental one, crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. She advocated for the integration of PWDs into the productive sectors of the economy, recognizing their skills and capabilities.
Madam Khadijah Jakalia, State Attorney at the Legislative Drafting Division of the Office of the Attorney General, announced that the draft Legislative Instrument for the Disability Act had been completed and submitted to Cabinet for consideration. She outlined the subsequent steps, including returning the document to the Legislative Drafting Division for printing and other procedural processes before its presentation to Parliament. Madam Jakalia emphasized the need for coordination among various institutions to ensure the completion of the legislative framework necessary to support the effective implementation of disability rights.