The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has launched a significant historical account titled “An Evolution Of The Ghana Federation Of Disability Organisations,” chronicling the birth and growth of the organisation and the broader disability advocacy movement in the country.
The book delves into the story of disability and advocacy, tracing its roots from traditional pre-colonial and colonial societies, through to Ghana’s independence when persons with disabilities began to organise, mobilise, and assert their rightful place in society.
It sheds crucial light on colonial and traditional perceptions of disability and details the emergence of Ghana’s three pioneering disability groups: the Ghana Association of the Blind, the Ghana National Association of the Deaf, and the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled.
Authored by Dr. Peter K. Obeng-Asamoa, a visually impaired historian and the Executive Director of the Ghana Blind Union for eighteen years, the book draws from his personal experiences and unparalleled access to invaluable firsthand information and resources, offering an authentic narrative of the GFD’s journey.
The launch, led by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, took place on December 3, 2025, in Accra, as a key part of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration.
The book features a foreword by Professor Wisdom Kwadwo Mprah of the Centre for Disability and Rehabilitation Studies at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Professor Mprah noted that the author skillfully introduces readers to “the Ghanaian traditional setup and how it treated persons with disabilities, taking them through a trip of complex notions of disability, predating the colonial period to post-colonial traditional society, and then, to what I would call the ‘awakening’ era of disability in Ghana.”
He emphasised the book’s profound value: “Reading this book, therefore, is an opportunity to understand the beginning, the struggles, the growth, and achievements of a minority group of people and their organisations.”
Professor Mprah lauded its timely arrival, especially as disability issues gain global attention, asserting, “‘An Evolution of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations’ is coming at the right time, because disability issues are gaining attention, requiring documented evidence for advocacy. It is, arguably, the first document on the history of disability in Ghana.”
He highly recommended it “as a foundation for disability studies in Ghana,” noting it “fills a void in disability history.”
The concept for this groundbreaking publication is credited to Mr. Yaw Ofori-Dabrah, former President of the federation and immediate past board chair of the National Council on Persons with Disability.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ofori-Dabrah lamented the lack of documented history: “Unfortunately, when you go to any library in Ghana and you want to research into the evolution of disability organisations in Ghana, you will not find one.”
He revealed that this gap – “Just because all that we have done over the years have not been documented” – compelled him to write to the GFD, raising the need for such a historical narrative on disability and the federation.
He explained that the book “does not only document the work and activities of GFD, but also recognise the fights and contributions of individuals to the cause of persons with disabilities.”
He also highlighted the extensive efforts in advocacy, stating, “When it comes to disability activism and advocacy, persons with disabilities and their organisations have done a lot. Apart from that, there were preceding efforts by missionaries and some public-spirited individuals who actually did much to ensure that the human rights of persons with disabilities were respected, and opportunities given them to pursue education, employment, and to secure self-employment.”
Mr. Ofori-Dabrah took time to commend former President of the federation, Mr. E. T. Plaha, for his support in initiating the historical book, and also acknowledged the current President, Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, and the board of directors for their instrumental efforts in securing funding for the project.
Further emphasising the book’s critical role, Mrs. Getrude Oforiwa Fefoame, former Vice President of GFD and immediate past chair and member of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, shared her perspective in an interview with DisabilityNewsGH.com.
“It feels good to have one source that we will all be speaking from,” Mrs. Fefoame stated.
“Until now, everyone seemed to have their own versions of the GFD story; everyone speaks from their own experiences, what one came to meet or see. This book takes us back straight to the beginning and takes us through the journey of the evolution and growth of the federation.”
She highlighted its motivational power for current and future advocates: “It will serve as a source of motivation to disability advocates. For readers to know how the environment was hostile to disability advocates, yet people persevered, resulting in the current friendly environment, will be enough motivation to advocates of today and the future.”
Mrs. Fefoame also stressed the book’s foundational argument for self-advocacy: “It provides more understanding about why Advocacy must be led by persons with disabilities. This book gives the adequate and accurate information to support that point. It is a very powerful resource for studies, advocacy, activism, for research.”
This publication stands not just as a historical record, but as a beacon for future advocacy, ensuring that the struggles, triumphs, and foundational principles of disability rights in Ghana are preserved, understood, and continue to inspire a more inclusive future for generations to come.
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com
Completely impressive and sommendable