The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has urged the government to fast-track the revised Disability Bill.
The Federation asserts that the bill remains crucial for protecting the rights and dignity of the over two million Ghanaians with disabilities.
Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Atsu Homadzi appealed to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to fast-track all remaining processes and present the revised Bill to Parliament without delay.
He also emphasised that Parliament must prioritize the passage of the bill once it is brought before the House for consideration.
Mr. Homadzi stated that the bill seeks to modernize Ghana’s legal framework, clarify institutional responsibilities, and improve access to education, employment, healthcare, transport, and justice for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Mr. Homadzi noted that the current legal instrument, the Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), no longer aligns with global disability rights principles or Ghana’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which the country ratified in 2012.
He lamented that PWDs continue to face significant challenges, including persistent accessibility and participation barriers and weakened compliance across both public and private institutions.
He further asserted that the revised bill will address cultural practices that also undermine
the rights, freedoms, and liberties of PWDs.
He added that the swift passage of the revised disability law is critical for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensuring equal opportunity for all Ghanaians.
Commendation for Free Tertiary Education
Separately, Mr. Homadzi extended gratitude to the government for implementing the free tertiary education policy for PWDs.
He described the policy as timely and impactful, noting that many PWDs previously depended on donations and philanthropists to support their pursuit of higher learning.
“The free Tertiary education for PWDs has commenced. They have paid the fees for our members who are in school. We want to extend our gratitude to the government for delivering on this promise. It has come at the right time. Several PWDs had been making appeals through the media and other sources to raise funds to pursue higher learning, and so with this policy, it has broken the barrier that prevented our members from accessing tertiary education,” he stated.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
