Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations Holds Training secession for Members of Parliament

Members of the disability caucus in Ghana’s parliament have unanimously called on the Government of Ghana to swiftly expedite action on the process of re-enacting the Disability Act (Act 715) and put in place measures to effectively implement the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

The call was made at the end of a two-day training workshop organised by the Federation for 24 members of parliament at Koforidua. The training program was aimed to introduce the MPs to the UNCRPD and explore its interconnectedness with the SDGs. Emphasizing the significance of the training, Dr. Edward Ampretwum, a governance lead at the UNDP, emphasised that the UN was glad to be associated with the capacity-building programme. Mr. Adam Abdul Wahab, a programmes officer of the Federation stated that “This program will equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the UNCRPD and its linkages to the SDGs, fostering informed decision-making and effective implementation.”

MP Dr. Clement Apaak, representing Builsa South and Chairman of the Disability Caucus of the Ghanaian Parliament, expressed support for policies benefiting persons with disabilities. On behalf of the caucus and fellow MPs, he reiterated their commitment to advocating for such initiatives. Appealing to the government through the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Dr. Apaak urged the “fast-tracking of the laying of the re-enacted Disability Bill in Parliament for swift consideration and passage.” He further emphasized the necessity of “implementing essential measures to ensure the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in consensus-driven national development efforts, free from any form of discrimination.”

On its part, the GFD emphasized the crucial need for the full and active participation of persons with disabilities in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), underscoring the principle of “leaving no one behind.”

This two-day training, held at the Eastern Premier Hotel in Koforidua on November 9th and 10th, 2023, hosted 24 MPs. The program served as an opportunity to:

• Introduce MPs to key disability issues
• Seek their support for the re-enactment of Act 715
• Expedite the formalization of the Disability Caucus within Parliament to amplify advocacy efforts.

The GFD remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in Ghana and welcomes collaborative efforts with the government and other stakeholders to achieve a truly inclusive and equitable society.