Calls for robust policy implementation, increased tech accessibility, and direct involvement of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in design processes dominated discussions at the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) commemoration, held on December 3rd in Accra.
The event, organised by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) in partnership with the National Communication Authority (NCA), aligned with the UN’s global theme “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress” and Ghana’s national theme “Assistive Technology: Empowering Lives, Advocating Inclusion”.
Hon. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, reiterated Ghana’s collective responsibility to uphold the dignity, rights, and wellbeing of PWDs.
“Each year, this day serves as an important reminder of our collective responsibility to uphold the dignity, rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities,” she stated, calling for government, communities, and individuals to “dismantle barriers and promote a society where everyone can participate fully and equally.”
The Minister emphasised that in a digitally transforming world, “access to technology is no longer a luxury, but has become essential for enabling education, employment, health services delivery and effective participation in national development.”
She detailed how assistive devices—from mobility aids to accessible communication tools—are crucial for PWDs to “live independently, communicate effectively or contribute fully to national development,” directly linking this to Articles 4 and 20 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
She affirmed her ministry’s commitment to “strengthening policy frameworks, expanding social protection interventions,” and collaborating with key agencies like the National Communication Authority (NCA) and Ministries of Communication and Education to bridge the technology and accessibility gap, recognising it as essential for inclusive growth.
The Minister commended the exhibition of local innovations by and for PWDs and assured that President John Dramani Mahama’s government remains dedicated to “strengthening disability-inclusive policies and implementation mechanisms,” enhancing data systems, and deepening partnerships to advance inclusion.
Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), passionately advocated for the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in the digital sphere, challenging stakeholders: “With all the advantages or the importance of digitalisation or technology, where is the space and place of technology as far as persons with disabilities is concerned? That is the question.”
He stressed the urgency of addressing this, announcing GFD’s partnership with the NCA and asserting, “We need to be included in all aspects, policies, and programmes designed as far as technology is concerned. Persons with disabilities cannot be left out globally. If you can’t perform in the space of technology then it means you can’t do anything at all.”
Mr. Homadzi also appealed directly to the Gender Minister to “expedite action on the Persons with Disabilities Act as promised by His Excellency the President John Dramani Mahama, so that the President’s promise can be fulfilled.”
He shared positive developments regarding President Mahama’s recent commitments: the Common Fund has been increased from 3% to 5% in the recent budget, which also includes provisions for electronic wheelchairs to be distributed by GFD, and a GHC25 million allocation for free tertiary education for PWDs. He expressed profound gratitude to the President for these commitments.
The event featured an insightful exhibition of innovations by or with persons with disabilities, aimed at improving their quality of life.
Furthermore, several individuals and organisations, including President John Dramani Mahama, Former President John Agyekum Kufour, Speaker of Parliament Hon. Alban Sumana Bagbin, Sightsavers, Unilever Ghana, and Nestlé Ghana, were honoured with citations for their diverse contributions to advancing the cause of persons with disabilities in the country.
SOURCE: DisailityNewsGH.com
