The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, has stated that the government is continuously putting in place measures to ensure that no Ghanaian, particularly persons with disabilities (PWDs), is excluded from the country’s rapidly advancing digital future.
That, she said, was because access to technology and assistive devices had become essential for education, employment, health care and effective participation in national development.
“In a rapidly changing world guided by digital transformation, access to technology is no longer a luxury. For many persons with disabilities, assistive devices such as mobility aids, hearing technologies, accessible communication tools and adaptive digital applications determine whether they can be independent, communicate effectively or contribute fully to national development,” she stressed.
Dr Lartey was speaking at the national celebration of the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) held in Accra yesterday.
Disability Day
The IDPD, commemorated annually on December 3, has been internationally observed by the United Nations (UN) since 1992 to create awareness and promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.
The day was marked by the National Communications Authority (NCA), in collaboration with the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), on the theme: “Access to Technology and Assistive Devices for Persons with Disability.”
Interventions
Dr Lartey enumerated government’s efforts to expand disability-inclusive policies and digital access, including providing special schools with computers, accessible software, braille displays and assistive tools.
The gathering
“The ministry has reviewed the Persons with Disability Act 2006 to reflect current trends and be in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. A draft report is undergoing final consultation before submission to cabinet for administration and approval,” she added.
Dr Lartey urged stakeholders to dismantle physical, digital and attitudinal barriers that limit the participation of PWDs, adding that the 2026 Budget prioritised assistive devices.
“Let us, therefore, use this celebration as a renewed commitment to create an inclusive digital future where no Ghanaian is left behind. Inclusion is not an act of charity. It is a matter of right, justice and national development,” she said.
Inclusion
The Deputy Director General in charge of Technical Operations at the NCA, Suleman Salifu, representing the NCA boss, said ICT had become integral to everyday life, yet many persons with disabilities faced significant barriers to accessing digital services, limiting their opportunities in education, finance and employment.
The NCA, he said, was, therefore, committed to digital inclusion under Act 769, mandating accessibility. To that end, he said from 2026, all devices must include accessibility features and the authority would upgrade its platforms to support diverse user needs.
“By improving our digital accessibility, we are not only fulfilling our mandate of consumer protection, but also promoting transparency, inclusivity and equal participation in Ghana's telecommunications space,” Mr Salifu added.
The President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), Joseph Atsu Homadzi, stressed that disability issues affected everyone either directly or indirectly.
Mr Homadzi appealed to the Gender Minister to fast-track the revised Disability Act promised by President Mahama.
He also welcomed the increase in the Disability Fund from three to five per cent and the GH¢25 million allocation for free education for PWDs, acknowledging the government and partners for their continued support.
