Ghana Federation of Disability Organisation calls for inclusion in government appointees

 The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has called on President John Dramani Mahama to appoint qualified Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) into government and across metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies.

The GFD, the national umbrella organisation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana, said consciously including PWDs in his appointments would be a demonstration of President Mahama’s commitment to disability inclusion in the country.

Also by prioritising disability inclusion, the country could inspire other institutions and communities to embrace equality.

The National President of the GFD, Joseph Atsu Homadzi, said while the Constitution and Disability Act (Act 715) guaranteed equality, the reality was a different story.

It said PWDs were significantly underrepresented in decision-making spaces, undermining the nation's goals of fostering an inclusive society.

Rights, competence

Mr Homadzi stated that leaders with disabilities were equally competent and provided insights that strengthened governance, especially on issues impacting marginalised communities.

It said inclusive leadership aligned with Ghana's obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

"PWDs bring valuable skills, diverse perspectives, and lived experiences that can meaningfully shape governance. Their inclusion in leadership roles not only improves decision-making but also reflects Ghana's commitment to fairness, equity and justice," Mr Homadzi said.

He further said the federation would launch public initiatives to showcase the value of disability-inclusive leadership.

It assured its continuous commitment to working with government officials, civil society groups and other stakeholders to amplify the voices of PWDs and ensure their active participation in decision-making processes.