Persons with Disabilities highlight major challenges, call for urgent government action at 2025 commemoration

Persons with disabilities have called for urgent government action to address persistent barriers affecting their well-being, rights, and access to basic services.

The call was made by Elikplim Afua Klu, Volta Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), during the 2025 International Day of Persons with Disabilities celebration held in Ho.

The event brought together government officials, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, development partners, and members of the disability community.

In her welcome address, Madam Klu outlined significant challenges that continue to hinder the full inclusion of persons with disabilities, despite years of advocacy and collaboration. These challenges range from outdated legislation and barriers to essential services to delays in social protection funds, rising cases of abuse, and infrastructural limitations in public spaces.

She noted that the slow review of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715) has left many persons with disabilities without adequate legal protection, even though Ghana ratified the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) over a decade ago.

Highlighting progress made in the Volta Region, the Regional President acknowledged that continuous engagement, public education, and paralegal support have reduced discrimination and stigma.

She raised concerns about delays in the disbursement of the 3% District Assembly Common Fund and unpaid salaries of Disability Desk Officers, as well as rising cases of abuse affecting women with disabilities.

Madam Klu reminded stakeholders that disability inclusion is a right, not charity, and called for collective action to ensure no one is left behind.