Dr. Edward Ampratwum, Head of Governance and Growth at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has emphasized the positive impact the passage of the Disability Act 715 will have on the lives of over 2,098,138 Ghanaians with functional difficulties.
Dr. Ampratwum urged the Government and Parliament to expedite action on the re-enactment of the Act and any associated instruments.
“The UN Country Team is excited to support the re-enactment of Act 715, (Persons with Disabilities Act). We hope that by the end of 2024, Act 715 and its accompanying legislative instrument addressing the preconditions for disability inclusion will have been reviewed to be in line with the CRPD standards and passed,” said Dr. Ampratwum during a training organized by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) for Members of Parliament.
The training, attended by about 24 MPs interested in promoting disability rights, focused on the rights of persons with disabilities and inclusive development.
Dr. Ampratwum outlined the vision of a disability-inclusive Ghana that tackles injustice, and discrimination, provides accessible infrastructure, and creates opportunities, including access to technology and sustainable jobs.
Mr. Abdul-Wahab Adam, Programmes Officer at GFD, urged MPs to fast-track the re-enactment of the disability act and called on the government to ensure the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Ghana.
Dr. Clement Apaak, Member of Parliament for Builsa South Constituency and Chairman of the Disability caucus in Parliament, stressed the need for mainstreaming disability issues in Ghana. He stated that the caucus would advocate for MPs to push for the re-enactment of the disability bill.
Dr. Emmanuel Marfo, Member of Parliament for Oforikrom Constituency and Vice Chairman of the disability caucus, emphasized the need to move beyond discussions and take practical steps for disability inclusion and mainstreaming.
Mr. Joseph Atsu Homadzi, President of GFD, highlighted the urgency to pass the disability bill and called on Parliament to implement measures for the inclusion of persons with disabilities.
The push for the re-enactment of the disability act reflects a growing recognition of the importance of disability mainstreaming in Ghana.