In commemoration of World Disability Day 2022, the Obuasi Branch of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations is calling on metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies to consider the needs of their members in policy planning and implementation.
The 1992 constitution ensures that the welfare and well-being of Ghanaians with various disabilities is guaranteed. Article 29 of the 1992 Constitution mandates that all public spaces have suitable facilities for persons with disabilities (Persons with Disabilities).
In addition, incentives should be given to people with disabilities who are involved in business and also to institutions to employ them in significant numbers.
Then too, the Constitution charges the Parliament to enact laws to ensure the enforcement of provisions for the protection of persons with disabilities.
The Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715) clarified the provisions of the 1992 Constitution by ensuring the integration of persons with disabilities into society and communities. Even a cursory reading of the Act shows that people with disabilities in Ghana have no complaints if the Act is fully implemented.
Law 715 describes the principles that govern the functions of the district assembly, which includes ensuring the participation of vulnerable people in all areas of activity, and ensuring their well-being and protection.
To achieve this, three percent of the District Assembly General Fund (DACF) is dedicated to the disabled in the district, with the National Council of Persons with Disabilities providing guidelines for the distribution of these funds.
The request of the Obuasi Branch of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations is valid and supported by law. Indeed, more than two decades after the introduction of Act 715, disabled people do not have to ask local authorities to do what they need.
Ghana should now be working towards results that are designed to make the lives of people with disabilities more comfortable. It can be done with the commitment of the incumbents.
It is true that Ghana cannot solve all the challenges that hinder the progress of people with various disabilities. The Daily Graphic, however, believes that the nation is on the right track to achieve this goal.
We have rules and laws, and critically, we have integrated disability welfare into our local government system. This is a good start, but we can do more.
For example, if DACF payments can be made on time so that people with disabilities in various communities across the country can benefit, it will improve their lives.
Fortunately, the NCPD, under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGWSP) has so far held meetings bringing together all in the ecosystem to further promote the progress made in achieving the country’s commitment to persons with disabilities.
This is also a good effort, because during the meeting, resources committed to improving the lives of people with disabilities, as well as a directory of policies, partners, programs and goals in line with the Medium-Term National Development Policy Framework were discussed and outlined.
It is the hope and expectation of Daily Graph that the Ministry of Finance will provide the necessary resources to ensure that all these efforts produce the required results.
In fact, including the concerns and challenges of PWDs in our development process and efforts is a plus for Ghana.
We must remember that disability can happen to anyone, and at any time. Therefore, let’s commit to ensuring that inclusion standards are maintained for people with disabilities.
Source: graphic.com.gh
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