The Africa Disability Institute (ADI) supported by STAR Ghana Foundation with funding from FCDO, has launched a seven-month project, aimed at promoting inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the upcoming Presidential and Parliamentary Elections.
The event brought together stakeholders from political parties, state agencies, including the Electoral Commission, National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), the Department of Social Welfare, as well as CSOs and organisations of persons with disabilities.
It set the platform to discuss strategies to make the election more inclusive for voters with disabilities and other marginalised and socially excluded groups.
Participants had the opportunity to discuss various ways in addressing the systemic barriers that have historically excluded PWDs from participating fully in general elections.
Mr Charles Nyante, the Operations Manager of ADI, told Adom News that the project will be implemented in four districts in the Oti Region and six districts in the Volta Region.
He said their objective is to enhance accessibility of voting centers and materials for PWDs, and provide disability sensitive training for electoral officials in the two regions.
He said the right to participate in elections is universal, and they were committed to ensuring PWDs exercise this right without barriers.
Mr Robert Boame, the Oti Regional Director of National Commission for Civic Education ( NCCE), has pledged their commitment in intensifying public education on the inclusion of PWDs in the upcoming elections.
He said this will help to promote equal participation by all citizens, regardless of their abilities.
Mr. Nuhu Mahama, the Oti Regional Director of Electoral Commission ( EC) confirmed his readiness to work with ADI to ensure polling stations for the upcoming elections in the Oti region will be held at accessible venues for easy access by voters with disabilities, while some of the qualified PWDs are included as Polling Assistants.
He assured that provisions to be made for tactile ballots for voters with visual impairment or the blind.
He also said the Commission is working assiduously to deliver a free, fair and transparent election.
Mr Innocent Komla Agbolosu, the Oti Regional Director of Social Welfare made a heartfelt appeal to political parties contesting the upcoming elections, particularly, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and New Patriotic Party (NPP), to prioritize peace in December polls.
He urged all parties to embrace peace to help create an environment conducive for free and fair elections.
He said this was the only way to strengthen Ghana’s democracy and promote national unity.
Reverend Harry Nii Kwatei-Owoo, the Chief Director of the Oti Regional Coordinating Council (ORCC) said they will collaborate with the security agencies to provide maximum security before, during and after the elections.
This, he said, will ensure a serene atmosphere for citizens in the region to exercise their democratic rights.
ADI is a Disability Research and Policy Institute with the ultimate aim of becoming a robust disability research and policy reference point in Africa.