NDC government will re-introduce Eban Elderly Welfare System - Mahama

Mr. John Dramani Mahama has revealed that his next government will re-introduce the Eban Elderly Welfare System to enable Ghanaians above 60 years to have free access to social and health services, public transport, and public places.

“We will partner with the private sector to establish Day Centres and Residential Homes for the Elderly and propose an amendment to the National Health Insurance Scheme Act 2012 (Act 852) to grant exemption from premium payments for individuals aged 60 and above.

“We will exempt persons 70 years and above from the payment of property rates in respect of their owner-occupied properties and support the Ghana Health Service to increase access to geriatric care and train more geriatric care specialists,” he said.

To ensure the enhanced welfare of Persons with Disabilities, the NDC, according to Mr. Mahama, will strengthen the legal framework on disability rights by passing the Person with Disability (Amendment) Bill and introducing a legislative instrument to augment the provisions of the Persons with Disability Act 2006, Act 715.

“My government will mandate a minimum of 5 percent hiring of persons living with disabilities in the public and private sectors and enforce the Ghana Accessibility Standards on Built Environment adopted in 2016 to facilitate access to public places for Persons with Disability.

“We will increase the percentage of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) reserved for Persons with Disability,” Mr. Mahama stated in the NDC 2024 Manifesto.

Former President Mahama noted that he would establish a disability fund in the districts to be managed by relevant stakeholders and review the guidelines for disbursement and management of the fund to ensure strict compliance with the aims of the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF).

“My government will implement guidelines for the disbursement and management of the DACF for PWDs to effectively deliver the objectives of poverty reduction and dignified labour for PWDs.

“We will modernise education facilities for persons with disabilities and the use of customized ICT learning, including the creation of an information hub/portal, and strengthen and resource the National Council on Persons with Disability.

“The next NDC government will create disability desks at all MMDAs to facilitate mainstreaming of disability issues into local governance and establish a Centre of Excellence for Special Education to enhance special and inclusive education.

“We will establish rehabilitation centres in the six newly created regions and in regions lacking such facilities and prioritise the renovation of existing rehabilitation centres to ensure they meet modern standards and adequately cater to the needs of individuals requiring rehabilitation services,” former President Mahama stated.

He said the next NDC government will provide targeted support for women with disabilities to promote their welfare and empowerment and support para-sports and recreation by enhancing technical programmes across various disciplines, ensuring adequate resource allocation, and fostering accessibility.

Former President Mahama noted that his government will direct the Local Government Service to prioritize the employment of at least 5 percent of its total staff from persons living with disabilities and increase the availability of sign language interpreters at healthcare facilities.

“We will establish a National Para Sports Festival to celebrate and promote inclusivity in sports for individuals with disabilities and promote road safety for persons with disabilities by creating barrier-free environments that prioritize independence, convenience, and overall safety.

“We will provide incentives for teachers working in special needs educational institutions to enhance the quality of education and support provided to students with disabilities.

“We will appoint persons with disabilities to MMDCE positions to ensure diverse representation and inclusivity in local governance,” Mr. Mahama stated and called for massive votes for him and NDC Parliamentary Candidates to enable him to form the next government in 2025 to implement sound policies to reset Ghana.