Ensure easy access for PWDs at polling stations in subsequent elections — GenCED urges EC

The Gender Centre for Empowering Development (GenCED) has called on the Electoral Commission (EC) to make polling stations more accessible for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in future elections.

This appeal follows reports of significant challenges faced by PWDs during the voting process in the ongoing elections.

In its Election Day briefing, GenCED highlighted several cases of PWDs and the elderly struggling to access voting booths.

At the Freeman Hotel polling station in the Asokwa Constituency, voters with disabilities and older persons faced difficulties due to a concrete pavement in front of the EC officials’ tent.

In Upper Denkyira East Constituency, the absence of ramps at some polling stations left an 87-year-old man dependent on assistance to cast his vote.

“PWDs have the right to vote independently and without hindrance. Yet, many centers fail to consider accessibility issues, which hinders their participation in the democratic process,” the report read by, Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin, a representative of the Gender Election Watch Situation Room, noted.

Visually impaired voters also encountered barriers. At polling stations like Ayawaso West Wuogon, officials failed to inform them about the availability of tactile ballot papers, forcing many to rely on others to vote, thereby compromising their right to a secret ballot.

Dr. Rose Mensah-Kutin, a representative of the Gender Election Watch Situation Room who doubles as the Executive Director for Abantu for Development, emphasized the importance of inclusivity in Ghana’s electoral process.

“It is crucial that all citizens, regardless of their physical abilities, can exercise their franchise without barriers. This requires deliberate planning and action by the EC,” she said.

GenCED urged the EC to collaborate with stakeholders to address these challenges.

They called for the construction of ramps, the provision of tactile ballot papers at all polling stations, and adequate training for officials to assist PWDs effectively.