Transformative Strategic Plans For PWDs Launched
Globally an estimated 1.3 billion people live with some form of disability.
Ghana is not left behind as persons with disabilities make up nearly 10 per cent of the population facing discrimination and lack of opportunity.
A lot of Ghanaians with disabilities are systematically excluded from access to services and places, legal aid, healthcare and more.
Often, these disparities are sharper in rural settings with a greater lack of infrastructure, investments and institutional support, this has led to the launch of disability strategic plan in Accra on 6 November at the conference room of Ghana s shippers Authority.
The theme for the launch is “Empowering persons with disability through entrepreneurship”.
In attendance were stateholders including care international savings and loans limited as well as Ignite business innovations, who have been supported to the disabilities in Ghana according to the organizers.
The president of Ghana persons with disability enterpreneuship and business association (GH-PWDs EBA) Richard Offei, noted that the extent of inequalities experienced by persons with disabilities in all areas of development is often the result of shortcomings in the structural, social, political and cultural environments in which they reside, including lack of accessibility of physical and virtual environments; institutional and attitudinal barriers
exclusion and unequal opportunities.
Mr. Offei highlighted the negligence and lack of support for the people disability face in the country’s infrastructure development and called on government to come out with national plan for PWDs.
He expressed deep concern over the failure to implement Ghana’s disability Act 2006 Act 715 that streamline the activities of implementing disability programs and projects across the country.
“The prolonged disregard for the law is not just negligence but a deliberate neglect of the rights of disabled citizens,” Offei stated.
He urged the the central government to take swift and decisive action to address the issue, warning that continued non-compliance would further marginalise disabled persons.
Offei further emphasised that the failure to enforce the Act exacerbates discrimination and stigmatization faced by disabled persons in Ghana stating, “this neglect is not just a bureaucratic oversight but a serious injustice that perpetuates inequality and stifles national development.”
He concluded by advocating for immediate action from both the government and private sectors to rectify the situation and fully respect the rights of disabled individuals.
Source frank owusu obimpeh
