Stakeholders have called for stronger enforcement of disability laws and inclusive systems to enhance the participation of women with disabilities in governance and national development.
The call was made during a panel discussion held as part of the Learn and Share Festival organized by the Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organization (WODAO) at the GNAT Conference Hall in Ho on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
The event marked the close of a two-year European Union-funded project titled “Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana.”
The panel brought together representatives from government institutions, civil society organizations, and disability advocacy groups to assess progress made, identify challenges, and propose solutions to promote disability inclusion.
Mrs. Thywill Eyra Kpe, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said disability inclusion was a human rights issue enshrined in Article 29 of the 1992 Constitution.
She noted that Ghana had established legal frameworks, including the Persons with Disabilities Act, to protect the rights of persons with disabilities, but said gaps remained in implementation.
“Disability rights are not a matter of charity but a constitutional obligation,” she said.
Madam Stella Mawusi Agbezuhlor Mawutor, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, said increased awareness and advocacy had contributed to gradual improvements in accessibility and inclusion.
She said the involvement of civil society and private sector actors had helped to complement government efforts in addressing challenges faced by persons with disabilities.
“We are making progress, although there is still more to be done,” she stated.
Ms. Elikplim Klu, Volta Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), said women with disabilities faced multiple forms of discrimination, which limited their participation in leadership and decision-making.
She stressed that inclusion should be recognized as a right and not treated as charity.
“Women with disabilities face double discrimination as women and as persons with disabilities,” she said.
Ms. Klu identified key barriers including negative societal attitudes, limited access to opportunities, and lack of accessible infrastructure.
Princess Lovia Tetteh, Executive Director of LoveAid Foundation, highlighted the role of civil society in promoting disability inclusion and influencing policy decisions.
She said advocacy efforts had contributed to increasing the allocation of the District Assembly Common Fund for persons with disabilities from three to five per cent.
She called for the integration of disability inclusion into programme planning through active participation of beneficiaries.
“When persons with disabilities are involved in decision-making, policies and programmes become more effective,” she said.
The panelists emphasized the need for improved data collection, targeted capacity-building, and deliberate efforts to promote women with disabilities into leadership positions.
They also called for increased attention to rural communities, where access to services and opportunities remained limited.
Some beneficiaries of the project shared their experiences, highlighting the impact of the initiative on their lives.
Miss Juliana Ntenye, a member of the Lakeside Disability Initiative Organization, said the project had enhanced her confidence and advocacy skills.
She said the mentorship and training she received enabled her to engage communities and advocate for the rights of women with disabilities.
Other beneficiaries, including Madam Sherita Kudoda and Mr. Moses Foli, also shared testimonies on how the project had improved awareness and participation among persons with disabilities.
Ms. Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, Executive Director of WODAO, who moderated the session, called for the passage of the Legislative Instrument to operationalize the Persons with Disabilities Act.
She said the absence of the instrument continued to hinder effective implementation of the law.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the gains made under the project and strengthening collaboration to promote inclusive development across the country.
Source: Joseph Kobla Wemakor
