Disability inclusion must drive national progress

Ghana yesterday joined the global community in marking the International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD), observed annually on December 3 to draw attention to the rights, dignity, and full participation of persons living with disabilities (PWDs). The day highlights the many barriers—social, economic, and institutional—that continue to hinder PWDs, while also providing a platform to celebrate their resilience, achievements, and contributions.

This year’s global theme, “Fostering disability?inclusive societies for advancing social progress,” aligns with Ghana’s own theme: “Access to Technology and Assistive Devices for Persons with Disability.” The national focus underscores that in the 21st century, access to technology is not a luxury and emphasizes the difference between exclusion and opportunity, marginalization and dignity.

In Accra, the event was jointly organised by the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD). The President of GFD, Mr Joseph Atsu Hamadzi, used the occasion to call for a speedy review of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715) to reflect current realities. He also welcomed the increase in the Disability Common Fund from three to five per cent in the 2026 budget and urged both public and private institutions to embed accessibility in their digital policies to ensure PWDs are not left behind in Ghana’s digital transformation.

In response, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding access to assistive technology and strengthening policies that support inclusive development. She described technology as “essential and not a luxury,” noting that it must be made available to PWDs to enable full participation in education, employment, healthcare, and civic life.

The Minister announced that her Ministry had completed a review of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715), with the draft report now undergoing final consultations ahead of submission to Cabinet. Under the Ghana Digital Acceleration Project, the government has procured a range of digital tools for PWDs, including 338 desktop computers, 154 laptops, 220 accessible software packages, Braille displays, Braille encoders, and other assistive devices. These measures aim to promote digital literacy and inclusion.

While acknowledging milestones achieved in promoting inclusion, challenges remain in giving full effect to the 1992 constitutional provision that guarantees the fundamental rights of all citizens, including minorities. PWDs continue to face physical obstacles and barriers to accessing digital services, which limits their ability to benefit from education, financial services, and employment—especially in the era of the fourth industrial revolution.

Ghanaian Times applauds the government’s policy shift starting in 2026, which will require all imported mobile devices to meet minimum accessibility standards before approval. While the review of the disability act and the increase in the Common Fund allocation are laudable, much more remains to be done to create a fully inclusive society.

It is our hope that yesterday’s commemoration will not remain merely symbolic, but instead mark a renewed commitment to building a society where persons living with disabilities can go about their daily activities free from obstacles.

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