The Disability and Social Development Advocacy Africa (DaSDA Africa), also known as Positive Impact, has launched a year-long advocacy campaign aimed at promoting the African Disability Protocol (ADP) and advancing the rights and freedoms of women with disabilities across Ghana.
The initiative, titled “Advocacy and Sensitisation Exercise to Promote the African Disability Protocol: The Rights and Freedoms of Women with Disabilities,” was officially launched at Anyinam in the Atiwa East District by DaSDA Africa’s founder, Isaac Kwaku Wadi, and Rev. Perpetual Essel-Cobbah, Minister in Charge of the Methodist Church, Anyinam.
Funded by ADD International through the Disability Justice Fund for Women (DJFW), the project seeks to empower women with disabilities through targeted advocacy, inclusion strategies, and policy engagement—advancing equity and accessibility in Ghana and beyond.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Wadi emphasized the urgency of government action to protect the rights of women with disabilities.
“Only 15 African countries have ratified the African Disability Protocol. Ghana must not be left behind. It is time for our government to formally adopt and implement the ADP to ensure that the rights of women with disabilities are legally recognized and upheld,” he said.
He added that DaSDA Africa’s broader mission includes building inclusive partnerships with local assemblies, government bodies, and development organizations to dismantle systemic barriers faced by women with disabilities.
As part of the campaign, DaSDA Africa unveiled its official advocacy anthem titled “We Rise,” now streaming on all major digital platforms. The song aims to inspire collective action among stakeholders, communities, and institutions to uplift the voices of the socially vulnerable.
Rev. Essel-Cobbah also underscored the daily struggles of women living with disabilities, noting persistent discrimination in employment, social services, and public life.
“As a society, we must move away from stigma and embrace inclusion. Women with disabilities deserve the same rights, dignity, and opportunities as everyone else,” she urged.
Inspector Eunice Amuzu from the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) reaffirmed the Ghana Police Service’s commitment to protecting persons with disabilities in line with Act 715 and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). She highlighted efforts to integrate disability awareness into police training and ensure accessible justice services for all.
“This project is a vital step in addressing inequalities and reinforcing Ghana’s obligation to protect its most vulnerable citizens,” Inspector Amuzu noted.
The launch event was attended by officials from the Atiwa District Assembly, religious and traditional leaders, and representatives from the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD).
DaSDA Africa continues to call on all stakeholders—particularly the Government of Ghana—to prioritize the ratification and implementation of the African Disability Protocol as a crucial step toward safeguarding the rights and freedoms of women with disabilities.
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