Inclusive Ghana: Seeing beyond disability

Yesterday, December 3, 2025, marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, dedicated globally to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all spheres of society and development. 

The day, marked on the theme “Fostering disability inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” brings into sharp focus the critical need to include PWDs in all aspects of society to ensure that positive social development thrives.

In Ghana, this day serves as a crucial reminder of the progress made and the significant work that lies ahead to ensure full inclusion and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their physical or mental capabilities.

While strides have been made, the current state of disability in the country still presents considerable challenges, particularly in areas of accessibility, employment, and social integration.

Many PWDs continue to face systemic barriers, discrimination and limited access to essential services, hindering their ability to participate fully in national development.

Ghana has demonstrated its commitment to upholding the rights of PWDs through legislative frameworks, the most significant of which is the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).

This landmark legislation aims to protect the rights of PWDs and promote their inclusion in society. Key provisions of the Act cover education, employment, healthcare, transport, and access to public facilities.

Section Seven of the Act states: “A person who provides service to the public shall put in place the necessary facilities that make the service available and accessible to a person with disability.”

However, 19 years after the enactment of Act 715, PWDs still struggle to access public spaces and services.

Therefore, we support the call by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations on the government and Parliament to fast-track the enactment of a revised disability law.

According to the federation, the Act passed nearly 20 years ago, no longer fully aligned with modern disability rights principles or with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Ghana ratified in 2012 (See Daily Graphic, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, Back page).

The Daily Graphic’s visit to many public structures across the country over the past five years revealed a stark reality – a significant number remain inaccessible, posing immense challenges for persons with mobility impairments and other disabilities.

This lack of adherence not only contravenes the law but also perpetuates exclusion and limits the participation of PWDs in civic and economic life.

The paper calls on the government, local authorities, and building owners to prioritise the enforcement of these provisions, perhaps through regular audits and penalties for non-compliance, to create a truly inclusive built environment.

The Daily Graphic is aware that, beyond legislative efforts, the government has implemented many policies and initiatives to support PWDs. One of the recent and notable interventions is the free tertiary education policy for PWDs.

This policy seeks to reduce the financial burden linked to higher education, thereby improving access to university-level studies for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We believe that this policy is a commendable step towards empowering PWDs through education-- a powerful tool for social mobility and economic independence. 

Furthermore, the establishment of the District Assemblies Common Fund – Persons with Disability component, often referred to as the Disability Fund, provides financial assistance to persons with disabilities for various needs, including livelihood support, assistive devices, and medical expenses.

This fund, disbursed through metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAs), plays a crucial role in improving the living conditions and economic empowerment of many PWDs at the grassroots level.

The Daily Graphic is of the view that while this initiative is vital, there is a continuous need for transparency, accountability, and efficient disbursement mechanisms to ensure that the intended beneficiaries receive the full benefits of these programmes.

As we observe International Day of Persons with Disabilities, it is imperative for all stakeholders – the government, civil society organisations, communities, and individuals – to renew their commitment to fostering a truly inclusive Ghana.

This involves not only strengthening the enforcement of existing laws, such as the Persons with Disability Act, but also actively challenging societal prejudices and stereotypes. Education and awareness campaigns are crucial to shifting perceptions and promoting a culture of empathy and understanding.

We commend the government’s efforts to continuously put in place measures to ensure that no Ghanaian, particularly PWDs, are excluded from the country’s rapidly advancing digital future (See today’s Daily Graphic, page 38).

We call for increased investment in accessible infrastructure, the promotion of inclusive education, the creation of employment opportunities and the assurance of access to healthcare services for PWDs.

These are not merely acts of charity, but essential human rights and vital elements of sustainable national development.