Ensure representation of persons with disabilities in governance – GSPD to Mahama

The Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) has urged President John Dramani Mahama to ensure the representation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in government appointments.

The inclusion of PWDs in government is a critical step toward advancing Ghana’s commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Ghana ratified in 2012.

It also aligns with the principles of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution. Despite these commitments, PWDs remain significantly underrepresented in leadership and decision-making roles, the GSPD said in a statement.

The statement, signed jointly by Matthew Annor-Kudom, National President, and Emmanuel Laryea, National Communications Officer, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, emphasized that persons with disabilities bring unique perspectives and lived experiences that enrich the policymaking process, ensuring that policies are inclusive and address the needs of all citizens.

It noted that appointing PWDs to government positions promotes their empowerment and challenges societal stereotypes about disability.

“Representation ensures that the government is held accountable to the disability community and that their needs are adequately prioritized in national development plans,” the statement said.

The GSPD urged the President to allocate specific appointments (quotas) to include qualified persons with disabilities in key governmental roles, such as ministerial positions, appointees to various assemblies, and boards of public institutions. It also called for the reintroduction of tollbooths to enhance employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.

“We acknowledge the content of your campaign messages, particularly your emphasis on promoting disability inclusivity, and we are confident that your leadership will pave the way for a more equitable future.”

By prioritizing the inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance, Ghana will set a powerful example for the rest of Africa and the world, the statement added.

The GSPD congratulated President John Dramani Mahama on his leadership and commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable Ghana.

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