The Volta region branch of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organization (GFD) has petitioned Parliament through the Volta Regional Minister, James Gun, to help expedite the passage of the revised Person’s with Disabilities Act 2006 (Act 715) that has been in parliament about two decades ago.
According to the petition, the Person’s with Disabilities Act 715 passed nearly two decades ago has served as an important foundation for the promotion of rights and inclusion of the physically challenged in the country and as there are gaps militating against passage of the Act should be lifted as soon as possible for smooth coexistence.
The quick and smooth passage of the Act before Parliament would ultimately ensure full alignment with the United States convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which Ghana ratified in 2012.
The petition to the Volta Regional Minister by the Regional Executive of the Federation led by their Regional President, Elikplim Klu, stressed that review of the Act in Parliament is a critical national priority that requires strong political will and effective stakeholder collaboration, hence their plea for support from the powers that be.
In spite of government’s commitment and strong advocate for the Act, progress towards finalizing and passing the Act been slow thereby militating against the upward growth of Persons with Disabilities across the country as they continue to face persistent barriers in accessing quality education, healthcare and employment among others.
Executive of the Regional Federation of Disabilities Organization on behalf of their members in the petition believed that a strengthen and modernize disability law would align the country’s legal framework with the International Human Rights standards as well clarify institutional responsibilities for the inclusion of the physically challenged in society.
The Act currently before Ghana’s parliament if passed it would not only help improve the physically challenged accessing essential services and social protection but would certainly enhance and promote inclusive development as well contribute to national economic growth.
According to the petition, the Federation recognizes Regional Ministers and Parliamentarians as key government agents leading the agenda for development in the various regions and therefore entreat the Volta regional minister to play a vital role in ensuring that national policies, particularly those concerning the vulnerable like the physically challenged are prioritized.
The Regional Ministers are requested to publicly support the urgent re-enactment of the revised Disability Act and extend such call to the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure that the delay in passage of the Act into law is thoroughly discussed in cabinet.
The petition further urged the Volta Regional Minister to engage Coordinating Directors to amplify awareness creation campaign to emphasize the importance of the revised Act for regional development.
The Federation also request that the Regional Minister to direct Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies within the region to strengthen disability inclusion and prepare for implementation of the revised Act once passed.
The petition however encourage the National Council on Persons with Disabilities offices in the regions to intensify engagement with authorities on the review process for them to acknowledge the seriousness the Federation attached to the petition as it would ensure Persons with Disabilities are meaningfully involved in the legislative process.
Regional And Members of parliament role in governance is essential to safeguarding the rights and dignity of over two (2) million Ghanaians with disabilities and also to ensure that none of them is left behind in the country’s decision making process.
In this regard, the Federation is appealing to the ministers to use their influence to accelerate the quick passage of the revised Disability Act that is before parliament about two decades now as a major step towards equality, justice and inclusive development for all.
The Chief Director of the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, Alhaji Mohamed Avorna who received the petition on behalf of the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu commended the executive for the maturity with which they attached in presenting their petition. He assured the Executive of the Federation of handing over the petition to the Regional Minister and hope immediate action would be taken.
The Volta Region’s President of the Federation, Elikplim Klu was accompanied by her deputy, Alex Akpo, the Volta Regional Gender Coordinator, Evelyn Donkor and Ho Central Coordinator of the Federation, Christine Dekator to present the petition at the Volta Regional Coordinating Council.
By Robert Abilba
