Mr Abukari Iddrisu, Programmes Manager, CREDA, who made the call on behalf of the organisation, expressed concern that the persistent exclusion of PwDs from critical decision-making processes continued to undermine their fundamental human rights and ultimately affect the country’s overall development agenda.
He was speaking during a stakeholders’ dialogue in Tamale and said limited access to social services and public resources, coupled with weak mobilization of PwDs especially among young persons continued to hinder efforts towards inclusivity.
The dialogue, organised by CREDA with funding support from STAR Ghana Foundation, formed part of the implementation of the Voice for Access Project (VAP) under phase Il of the Action for Voice and Inclusive Development (AVID) programme.
The meeting was to present phase II of the VAP-AVID project to key stakeholders, solicit their support, and strengthen collaboration to ensure effective implementation.
Participants were drawn from eight Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the Northern Region including Tamale, Gushegu, Savelugu, Yendi, Kumbungu, Karaga, Nanumba South, and Saboba.
They included social welfare directors, chairpersons of social services subcommittees, representatives from the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), Northern Regional Secretariat of the National Youth Authority (NYA), Northern Regional Youth Network and young persons living with disabilities (YPwDs).
The event served as a platform for participants to share experiences and insights geared towards improving the livelihoods of YPwDs.
It was also to facilitate the inclusion of YPwDs’ representatives in district social services subcommittees, promote greater understanding of the VAP-AVID phase II project and encourage active participation and joint ownership.
Mr Amankona Ampofo, Northern Regional Director, NYA commended CREDA and its partners for their efforts in complementing the government’s initiatives to support PwDs and promote sustainable development.
He said, “The Ten-Year National Youth Policy of Ghana aligns well with the needs of PwDs. It outlines key areas they can leverage to enhance their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national development.”
Mrs Shahadu Antamatu, Chairperson for Social Services, Nanumba South District, emphasised the need to increase funding for PwD-focused interventions to expand employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.
She said, “Many are forced to beg on the streets due to a lack of skills and support. A little assistance could empower them to become self-reliant.”
Alhaji Musah Abdul-Majeed, Social Welfare Officer, Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, raised concerns about delays in the disbursement of funds for PwDs and called for more timely support to ease their burdens.
Participants during the dialogue agreed to facilitate the incorporation of the needs and aspirations of YPwDs into the 2026-2029 Medium Term Development Plans of the MMDAs to ensure that their challenges received adequate attention from stakeholders and duty-bearers.
GNA
