A powerful call for inclusivity has been issued by two distinct disability advocacy groups in Ghana, urging President John Dramani Mahama to prioritise the appointment of persons with disabilities, especially women, in his new administration.
The Voices of Women and Children with Disabilities and Caregivers in Ghana (VOWACGhana) and the Concerned Members of the NDC Disability Desk both released statements on January 22, 2025, highlighting the urgent need for greater representation of persons with disabilities at all levels of governance.
VOWACGhana’s Call for Inclusion of Women with Disabilities
VOWACGhana’s statement opened with congratulations to President Mahama for his 2024 election victory and commendation for the appointment of women into ministerial and key leadership roles, acknowledging a step towards achieving gender equality. However, the group promptly highlighted a significant oversight—the glaring absence of women with disabilities in these appointments.
The organisation emphasised that this omission perpetuates a long history of exclusion, limiting the valuable perspectives and rich experiences that women with disabilities bring to the table. This, they argued, hinders the progress towards genuine gender equality and undermines the “Leave No One Behind” principle of the Sustainable Development Goals.
VOWACGhana drew attention to the demographic reality that women with disabilities constitute a larger portion of the 8.8% disability population in Ghana, with 1,214,032 females compared to 884,106 males, as stipulated by the 2021 Population and Housing Census.
They also reminded President Mahama of a previously submitted petition, urging the inclusion of women with disabilities in governance through strategic appointments. To address this critical gap, VOWACGhana put forward several specific requests:
1. Deputy Ministerial Position: The government should appoint a female with a disability as a deputy for the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection. Furthermore, they should be given equal opportunities to serve as board members, district assembly appointees, ministerial appointees, and other positions of power.
2. District Assembly Representation: At least 5% of the 30% appointees at the district assembly level should be women with disabilities, in addition to those elected, to ensure diversity and participation in local governance.
3. Accessibility and Accommodation: The government should provide reasonable accommodations and accessibility in all dimensions to ensure the effective delivery of duties by women with disabilities.
4. Consultation and Collaboration: The government should actively consult with disability-led organisations to facilitate the development, advancement, and empowerment of women with disabilities.
5. Economic Empowerment: The government should support income-generating initiatives for women with disabilities, especially those at the local level, to enhance their economic independence and leadership ambitions.
NDC Disability Desk Reminds President of Campaign Pledges
In a related statement, the Concerned Members of the NDC Disability Desk called on President Mahama to fulfill the promises he made during the 2024 campaign regarding the inclusion of PWDs in his government.
They underscored his commitment to fostering inclusivity and equal opportunities, emphasising the essential role that PWDs play in national development. They specifically pointed to promises of:
1. Free Tertiary Education: Removing financial barriers to ensure equitable access to higher education for persons with disabilities.
2. Review of the Disability Act: Amending and improving the Disability Act to better address the evolving needs and rights of PWDs.
3. Employment Quota: Establishing a minimum of 5% employment opportunities for PWDs in both public and private sectors, including leadership roles.
4. Representation in Governance: Appointing PWDs as Ambassadors, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executive Officers (MMDCEs), Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), Board Members, Board Directors, Presidential Staffers, Agency heads and key positions to ensure their voices are heard at decision-making levels.
The NDC Disability Desk members emphasised that these commitments must now translate into tangible actions. They highlighted the capabilities and achievements of PWDs, noting their significant contributions in professional, political, and entrepreneurial spheres and emphasised that inclusion is not just a moral obligation, but a fundamental component of effective governance.
The group concluded their statement by expressing readiness to collaborate with the new administration to identify and recommend capable PWDs for various roles. They are confident that H.E. Mahama will fulfill his pledge to ensure PWDs play a meaningful role in shaping the nation’s future and solidifying his legacy as a leader committed to inclusivity, equity, and national cohesion.
The statement was signed and issued by Ellah Ametor Korku Avumatsodo, Genevieve Ama Kujem, and Lawyer Topra Abradu Nyansakuku. The statement by VOWACGhana was signed by Juliana Afia Mahmood, Ag. Executive Director.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com