UNPRPD Strengthens Ties with Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations and other key stakeholders.

ACCRA, Ghana – The United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) conducted a high-level visit to the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) on October 16. The visits were part of the monitoring activities under a joint project titled “Implementing essential pre-conditions to advance the rights of persons with disabilities” – a joint project implemented by UNDP in partnership with Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, National Council on Persons with Disabilities and other agencies.

The delegation met with various stakeholders, including Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and parliamentarians, to discuss strengthening disability inclusion and advocacy in Ghana.

During a meeting with GFD, representatives from Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a German Disability Inclusion Specialist were present. Discussions centered on project-related issues including increasing the participation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) in policy development and implementation, with emphasis on diversity and women’s involvement in these efforts.

Participants from OPDs emphasized the need for sustained advocacy to drive mindset and systemic changes while empowering stakeholders and duty bearers to take action toward disability inclusion.

Photo Description: A group photo of Members of Parliament and UNPRPD officials standing in front of the Parliament House with a sign that reads “House of Parliament”

OPDs had the opportunity to join the delegation in its meeting with the members of the Disability Caucus in Parliament.  The Disability Caucus, officially inaugurated on July 29, 2024, by the Hon. Rt. Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Bagbin, comprises Members of Parliament who are dedicated to championing disability rights and advocacy.   

The Chairperson of the Disability Caucus Hon. Dr. Clement Apaak, along with other members, were present during the meeting.  A key highlight was the pending re-enactment of the Ghana Disability Act 715, with the passage expected once the sector minister submits the bill.

Photo description: The photo depicts a meeting with a group of twelve people, including Members of Parliament, GFD Management, and UNCRPD Officials, gathered around a large, oval conference table in a meeting room with pale green walls. The participants, a mix of men and women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds, appear engaged in discussion, with some taking notes. Water bottles, notebooks, laptops, and pens are placed in front of most attendees. One woman stands, addressing the group, while others are seated and attentive.

The Chairperson shared details of the caucus’s plans including ongoing capacity building for members of parliament, raising disability awareness, promoting inclusion in Parliament, mobilizing membership, and ensuring representation on other caucuses to facilitate comprehensive policy integration. “Having at least one member from each parliamentary committee join the disability caucus will help mainstream disability awareness across all sectors of governance,” Hon. Apaak noted.

The meetings concluded with plans to engage influential personalities in society to support disability rights and inclusion advocacy in Ghana.

This visit of the UNPRPD delegation marks a significant milestone in Ghana’s ongoing efforts to strengthen disability rights and inclusion. It brings together key stakeholders from both national and international organisations to advance this crucial agenda.