Deputy Minister of Education Hon. Clement Apaak delivered a keynote address at the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations’ (GFD) commemoration of International Women’s Day on March 10, 2025, urging a shift from symbolic gestures to concrete action in promoting the rights and inclusion of women and girls with disabilities.
Speaking under the conference theme, “Rights, Respect, and Resilience for Women and Girls with Disability, Accelerate Action,” Hon. Apaak emphasised that addressing disability issues is not an act of charity but a fundamental human rights imperative.
He highlighted that the barriers limiting the full participation of women with disabilities in leadership, education, employment, and decision-making are not natural but are built by systems, policies, and outdated mindsets.
“We are not doing it for persons with disabilities, but we are doing it for ourselves because that is the right thing to do,” Hon. Apaak stated. “Far from charity, this is a fundamental human right issue. This is about action, accountability, and change.”
The Deputy Minister also drew attention to the role of the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability, which aims to create a platform for parliamentarians to advocate for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The caucus has been working closely with organisations of persons with disabilities, disability experts, and advocates to address issues such as inaccessible infrastructure, stigma, and discrimination.
He detailed the caucus’s objectives, which include:
• Advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities.
• Promoting equal opportunities.
• Supporting the implementation of disability-related policies and legislation.
• Raising awareness about disability issues amongst parliamentarians and the general public.
• Providing a forum for parliamentarians to discuss and address disability-related concerns.
• Supporting legislation and policies promoting disability inclusion.
• Engaging with persons with disabilities and other stakeholders.
Hon. Apaak highlighted the strong presence of disability advocates within the government, noting that the current Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, the current Minister for Tourism and Creative Arts, the current Deputy Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Deputy Minister of Education himself, and the current Majority Chief Whip are all members of the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability.
He hinted that such a representation of disability advocates in the government would likely lead to improving the lives of persons with disabilities in the country.
In an interview with DisabilityNewsGH.com, the Executive Director of GFD, Madam Rita Kyeremaa Kusi, emphasised the importance of highlighting the critical issues affecting minority groups within the disability movement, particularly women and girls with disabilities.
She revealed that a national report on children with disabilities presented to the United Nations showed that girls with disabilities are often not registered at birth, leaving them without a recognised identity and excluded from national policies and planning.
Madam Kyeremaa Kusi called for conscious efforts to identify the potential of girls and women with disabilities and support them in developing their capacities to become meaningful players in the country’s development.
Furthermore, Madam Kyeremaa Kusi encouraged women with disabilities to take charge of their own development and advocate for their rights and inclusion. She underscored the importance of self-empowerment in driving meaningful change and promoting equal opportunities.
The event concluded with a call to action, urging policymakers, corporate leaders, and individuals to move beyond promises and deliver real impact for women and girls with disabilities. As Hon. Apaak emphasised, “The time for change is now, the era of barriers is over. Let’s accelerate action and build an inclusive Ghana for all.”
SOURCE: DisabilityNewsGH.com