Do more to end socio-political exclusion - GFoD

The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFoD) has urged government to do more to give adequate protection to Persons With Disability (PWD) and remove the socio-political exclusion.

Mr. Yaw Ofori Debrah, President of the Federation, said there was the need for stronger commitment to expand their involvement in governance and decision-making at all levels; adding, "this makes it urgent for the enactment of an Affirmative Action Law.”

He said although actions by government over the years such as the passage of the PWD Act and Mental Health Act, the ratification of international conventions and protocols, the two per cent district assemblies’ common fund for the disabled, among others had been commendable, but was not enough.

He was speaking at a stakeholder consultative meeting organised by the Federation at Abuakwa in the Atwima-Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti Region.

Mr. Debrah said discrimination against them should be robustly tackled to bridge the inequality gaps in political participation and governance and ensure access to dignified employment.

“The social imbalance left in the wake of outdated cultural traditions and norms must also be redressed," he added.

Citing the 2010 population and housing census carried out by the Ghana Statistical Service, which said approximately 700,000 people had severe disabilities. He said the well-being of the significant number of Ghanaians with such disabilities could not be ignored.