Voice-Ghana on Disability Day bemoans marginalization of PWDs

Voice-Ghana, a Ho-based Disability Rights Advocacy, an NGO, on World Disability Day, bemoaned the continuing marginalization of People with Disabilities in Ghana.

A statement signed by Harrison Belle, Spokesperson for the emerging disability think-tank, said a reflection on the day underscored the fact that “in Ghana currently, persons with disabilities are confronted with discrimination, victimisation and exclusion whether in school, at the market, employment circles, in the decision making process or even formulation of policies that directly affect their lives”.

In addition, it said, “Ghana is more than 90% inaccessible to persons with disabilities in terms of infrastructure, attitude, information and communication, which impede the ability of PWDs to escape from any disaster”.

The theme for the commemoration this year is: “Sustainable Development-The Promise of Technology.”

The statement explained that the year’s commemoration “is focusing on the role of technology in “Disaster Risk Reduction and Emergency Responses and Creating Enabling Working Environments for Disability-Inclusive Sustainable Development Goals.”

The Voice-Ghana complaints continued saying, “almost all public buildings are not disability friendly and government has not backed its words with action.”

It added that “what is equally worrying is that the country had no credible data on disability, making planning for them (PWDs) difficult.”

The annual observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, was proclaimed in 1992 by the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 47/3.

The observance of the Day aims at promoting understanding of disability issues, and mobilizing support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities.

It also seeks to increase awareness of gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities.

The Voice-Ghana statement said in line with the theme, it “is calling on the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), for the inclusion of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) on the Relief and Reconstruction Technical Committee, to enable members participate effectively in the planning, implementing and monitoring of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) actions in climate change policies, conflict prevention and mitigation.”

The NGO “is further calling for the implementation of all pro-disability legislations, like the Persons with Disability Act, 2006, National Disability Policy of 2000 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, among others,” adding that “no disaster-resilient plan could succeed without the contribution of PWDs.”

Voice-Ghana, founded in 2002, through capacity development and partnerships with stakeholders, develops and implements programmes to improve the lives of people with disabilities.