The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has called on President John Mahama to appoint qualified Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into government positions and across Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies.
It said this would demonstrate his commitment to disability inclusion in the country.
A statement signed by Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, National President of the GFD, and copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra, noted that while the Constitution and Disability Act (Act 715) guaranteed equality, the reality was different.
It stated that PWDs were significantly underrepresented in decision-making spaces, undermining the nation’s goals of fostering an inclusive society.
“PWDs bring valuable skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experiences that can meaningfully shape governance. Their inclusion in leadership roles not only improves decision-making but also reflects Ghana’s commitment to fairness, equity, and justice,” Mr. Homadzi said.
The GFD argued that leaders with disabilities provided insights that strengthened governance, especially on issues impacting marginalized communities.
It added that inclusive leadership aligned with Ghana’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The statement further emphasized that by prioritizing disability inclusion, the country could inspire other institutions and communities to embrace equality.
The GFD announced plans to launch public initiatives showcasing the value of disability-inclusive leadership.
It assured its continued commitment to working with government officials, civil society groups, and other stakeholders to amplify the voices of PWDs and ensure their active participation in decision-making processes.
“By taking concrete action, Ghana can become a model for inclusive governance, demonstrating that every citizen’s voice matters in shaping the nation’s future,” it added.
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations is the national umbrella organization for Persons with Disabilities in Ghana.
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