The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing disability inclusion, accessibility, and equal participation in national development as the country commemorated the National Day of Persons with Disabilities.
In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Public Affairs Unit, government highlighted key initiatives including the increase of the District Assemblies Common Fund allocation from three to five per cent, expanded support through the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme, and the free tertiary education policy for persons with disabilities. Other measures include integrating the Ghana Accessibility Standard into building regulations and promoting digital inclusion.
This year’s commemoration was observed under the theme “From Act to Action: Finalising Reforms and Enforcing Disability Rights Now and Beyond.” The Ministry underscored the importance of collaboration among ministries, agencies, local assemblies, private sector, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders to remove barriers and ensure full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of national life.
Twenty years after the passage of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), the Ministry noted that the pursuit of full inclusion continues. It pledged to work closely with persons with disabilities and their representative organisations to protect rights and amplify voices.
The statement also referenced Ghana’s participation in the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, held in New York, which marked 20 years of the CRPD.
“Together, let us build a Ghana where no one is left behind and every person has the opportunity to realise their full potential,” the Ministry affirmed.
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