Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations Organizes Capacity Building Workshop for State Agencies on Inclusive Development

Akosombo, Ghana – The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) held a two-day capacity-building training for multi-sector state agencies on the rights of persons with disabilities and inclusive development. The training took place on November 23rd and 24th, 2023 at Afrikiko River Front Resort in Akosombo.

The workshop is part of a series of activities outlined for implementation under the United Nations Partnership on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) programme in collaboration with the United Nations in Ghana through the UNDP.  The programme primarily seeks to empower participants with knowledge about rights under the Convention on The Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), of which Ghana is a signatory. It is part of the wider programme being rolled out by the UN in Ghana to implement essential pre-conditions for achieving the goals of the CRPD through the Multi-Partner Trust Fund (MPTF).

The workshop covered a wide range of topics, including intersectionality, an overview of the Global Disability Summit commitment, inclusive budgeting, disability theories, and how to use inclusive language. Participants also learned about the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and its relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Peter Anomah Kordie, the Programmes Manager of the GFD, gave an overview of the work that the organisation does, elaborating on its vision, mission, objectives, and ongoing activities. He asked participants to take full advantage and enhance their knowledge of the issues to be discussed at the workshop.

One of the highlights of the workshop was a discussion on the need for teachers to be educated about disability inclusion. A representative from the Ghana Education Service-Special Education Division, Robert Gariba, suggested that teachers need to be encouraged to practice reasonable accommodation to accommodate the learning needs of students with disabilities. He also called for an end to the practice of using children with disabilities for charity purposes.

Another key takeaway from the workshop was the importance of collecting data on disability. A representative from the Ghana Statistical Service stated that the Service does not currently collect data on disability specifically, but rather on ‘Difficulty performing activities. He called for the development of a standard definition of disability.

The workshop also explored the role of state agencies in promoting disability rights. A representative from the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) revealed that his office has developed braille and audio versions of the disability act for persons with visual and hearing impairments. He encouraged other agencies to emulate their example.

Overall, the workshop was a success in raising awareness about the importance of inclusive development and the roles of state agencies in implementing the rights of persons with disabilities. Participants expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to learn about disability inclusion from experts and network with colleagues.