The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has submitted a petition to the Upper East Regional Minister, Donatus Akamugre, calling for urgent support and intervention in the re-enactment and passage of the revised Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
The petition, signed by Joseph Atsu Homadzi, National President of GFD, highlights the need to align Ghana’s legal framework with international human rights standards, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Ghana ratified in 2012.
The revised Act aims to address persistent barriers faced by persons with disabilities in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, transportation, digital access, justice, and social protection. The GFD is urging Regional Ministers to publicly support the re-enactment of the revised Act, engage Regional Coordinating Councils, and direct Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to strengthen disability inclusion.
“Direct Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) within your region to strengthen disability inclusion and prepare for implementation of the revised Act once passed,” the petition states.
It emphasizes the importance of the revised Act in promoting inclusive development, contributing to national economic growth, and safeguarding the rights and dignity of over two million Ghanaians with disabilities.
The GFD is calling on Regional Ministers to champion disability inclusion as part of the regional development agenda and to support regional consultations, awareness campaigns, and stakeholder dialogues to ensure persons with disabilities are meaningfully involved in the legislative process.
Source: A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | David Azure | Bolgatanga
