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Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, the Deputy Minister of Education, has reiterated the government’s commitment to disability inclusion, focusing on accessible infrastructure, education, employment opportunities, health, and social services.
“The Government of Ghana is fully committed to disability inclusion, not just in policy but in practice,” he said. Dr. Apaak made these remarks during a conference held by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) in Accra on Monday.
The event aimed to acknowledge and promote the leadership of women with disabilities, ensuring that policies, laws, and decisions reflect their needs and contribute to gender equality and empowerment. This was part of the activities to celebrate International Women’s Day. International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8, celebrates the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women, calling for action to accelerate gender parity.
The theme for this year’s global celebration was “For All Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.” The theme for the GFD’s conference was “Empower her, Accelerate Action.” Dr. Apaak noted the historical barriers faced by women with disabilities in leadership, education, employment, and decision-making.
He attributed these barriers to societal policies and mindsets. “Disability issues are Ghanaian issues; they are societal issues. Nobody knows when you would require the services we are advocating for. We are doing it for ourselves because it is the right thing to do.” The Deputy Minister also mentioned that the government would amend the Persons with Disability Act (Act 715) and introduce a Legislative Instrument to make disability rights fully enforceable.
He explained that this would ensure disability inclusion was no longer an option but a legal obligation for all institutions. Dr. A Dr. Apaak declared the government’s commitment to implementing a standardized national sign language to improve accessibility for individuals with hearing and speech impairments in education.
He also mentioned the provision of free tertiary education for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Dr. Apaak said that the Affirmative Action Act, 2024, would increase the representation of women, including those with disabilities, in leadership and governance. “Implementation begins now, and we must ensure it works for everyone,” he said.
He revealed that Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang would launch an empowerment program for women and girls with disabilities. During a panel discussion, Madam Rita Kusi Kyerewaa, Executive Director of GFD, emphasized that stakeholders must commit to empowering women with disabilities with resources, expertise, and create spaces for them to thrive.
She stressed the importance of PWDs knowing their rights, acknowledging, and pursuing fair representation. Mrs. Adjoa Amponsah Dapaah, a lawyer, encouraged PWDs to educate and upgrade themselves to qualify for opportunities. She said that PWDs were just as capable as the able-bodied population.
Mrs. Mawunyo Yakor-Dagbah, former GFD President, called for deliberate efforts to ensure that women and girls with disabilities were provided opportunities to progress in all areas of life. She urged parents to be strong and supportive of their children at all times. Mrs. Portia Gabor, a journalist with Media General, advised successful women with disabilities to mentor young people to help them realize their potential.
“There should be no room for stigmatization, that we should do everything possible to kill the disability of stigma,” she emphasised, Madam Sirina Mahamadu, National Vice President of GFD, advised parents and guardians to stop hiding their children with disabilities.
“Let us bring them out first and foremost, let us love them. It can be you; it can be me. Some of us were not born like that. I, for instance, was not born with a disability; I acquired it. You can acquire it,” she said, The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations is the national umbrella body for persons with disabilities in the country.
Source: GNA
