The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) will celebrate the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, in Kumasi, Ashanti Region.
The event is a prelude to the global observance on December 3, strategically rescheduled to ensure that disability issues remain a priority during Ghana’s upcoming general elections on December 7.
A statement signed by Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, National President of GFD, said the celebration aimed to spark national dialogue and inspire action.
The theme for this year’s observance is “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.”
The celebration will focus on raising awareness of the persistent barriers faced by persons with disabilities, including systemic discrimination, stigma, and gaps in policies, all of which contribute to the link between disability and poverty.
The statement noted the importance of integrating disability issues into all areas of national development, especially as Ghana strove to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Additionally, the GFD is using the platform to advocate for the reenactment of Disability Act 715, aiming to align Ghana’s legal framework with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
The statement referenced the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, which reported that nearly 20 per cent of Ghanaians lived with disabilities.
The figure was steadily increasing due to an aging population and the rise of chronic health conditions.
A key highlight of the event would be a high-level discussion on “Disability Leadership for Inclusive Elections and Sustainable Climate Action.”
The discussion would bring together political leaders, environmental experts, and disability rights advocates to explore the intersection of electoral inclusion and the critical issue of environmental preservation in Ghana’s election policies.
Mr. Peter Anomah Kordieh, Programmes Manager of the GFD, remarked, “This year’s event marks a watershed moment for Ghana’s disability community.”
“As elections approach, we must ensure disability issues are not just included but amplified in shaping our nation ‘s future.
“With Persons with Disabilities making up 20 per cent of Ghana’s population, their leadership and contributions are critical to the journey toward inclusivity and sustainability,” he said.
While recognising the progress made by the government, private sector, and international partners, Mr. Homadzi noted that only robust policies and dedicated action can dismantle the enduring barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
“This is not just a celebration; it is a rallying cry.
“We are calling on Ghana to reimagine inclusion, to place persons with disabilities at the heart of leadership and decision-making. Only by doing this can we secure an inclusive and sustainable future that leaves no one behind.
“Together, let’s amplify voices, spark change, and build a future that truly belongs to everyone,” he said.
GNA
KAS
26 Nov. 2024
