Implement legal provisions concerning disability services – GHS to Regional Directors

The Acting Director General of the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, has directed all Regional Directors of Health Service to activate and fully implement legal provisions concerning disability services.

In a letter to all the Regional Directors, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea referred the Regional Directors to their meeting held on 13th February 2025 in which he emphasized the establishment of disability-friendly facilities in our various hospitals.

According to him, the move is part of measures to improve accessibility at the various health facilities for people with disabilities.

“Activate existing systems and structures within health facilities to implement the legal provisions concerning disability services fully.

“Ensure that the Institutional Social Welfare Office/Desk in all Regional and District Hospitals is operational as soon as possible”, he added.

Below is the full letter

ALL REGIONAL DIRECTORS OF HEALTH SERVICE

GHANA HEALTH SERVICE

STRENGTHENING DISABILITY-FRIENDLY HEALTH SERVICES

You will recall that at the meeting held with Regional Directors on Thursday, 13th February 2025, I reiterated the need for the establishment of disability-friendly facilities in our various hospitals as a way of improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

Subsequently, there was an engagement with the National Disability Council and the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations on the way forward for ensuring a more inclusive healthcare system for persons with disabilities. Discussions focused on improving rehabilitation services, integrating disability-friendly facilities and strengthening healthcare access for persons with Disability.

It must be noted that Section 33 of the Disability Act enjoins the Health Service to among others, ensure that persons with disabilities have access to comprehensive healthcare services on par with others. This includes necessary modifications for better access to healthcare facilities and ensuring priority is given to individuals with disabilities, including the provision of sign language interpreters. As Regional Directors, you are tasked with the following responsibilities:

1. Activate existing systems and structures within health facilities to fully implement the legal provisions concerning disability services.

2. Ensure that the Institutional Social Welfare Office/Desk in all Regional and District Hospitals is operational as soon as possible.

3. Update the Peer Review checklist to reflect all indicators that promote inclusivity and quality health services for persons with disabilities at all levels.

4. Re-orientation for regional and district disability focal persons to enhance their understanding of their rights and responsibilities.

Compliance with these directives will be a significant part of your “Performance Appraisals” and my office will strictly monitor progress.

Thank you. PROF. SAMUEL KABA AKORIYEA

AG. DIRECTOR-GENERAL, GHS

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