Accra, April 1, — Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and advocacy groups have called for direct and meaningful participation at every stage of constitutional amendment processes to ensure inclusive governance and disability-responsive laws.
The groups emphasized that this approach would guarantee compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and promote equitable representation.
The call was made during a dialogue on constitutional reforms organised by STAR-Ghana Foundation, with support from the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) and the British Council in Accra. The event brought together PWDs and key stakeholders to discuss disability rights, constitutional reforms, and pathways to strengthening inclusive governance.
Participants highlighted the need for:
Accessible information, including sign language interpretation and braille.
Reasonable accommodation in education, employment, and public services.
Direct representation in decision-making processes rather than reliance on non-disabled representatives.
They advocated for a shift from the medical model of disability to a rights-based approach that prioritises dignity, equality, and empowerment. PWD groups also raised concerns about systemic barriers, including limited access to information and environmental, educational, and economic constraints that hinder full participation in national processes.
“Our demand is not just for consultation but for nothing about us, without us, ensuring that PWDs are active participants in decisions that affect their lives,” they stated.
Mr. Moses Fordjour, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations, urged the constitutional recognition of the right to inclusive education and reasonable accommodation, warning that the denial of such accommodation should constitute discrimination.
Mr. Oliver M. Barker-Vormawor, lawyer and activist, called for the inclusion of PWDs in drafting, implementing, and monitoring policies affecting their social, economic, and political rights. He also stressed the need for stronger protections for women and girls with disabilities, noting that they face intersectional discrimination requiring targeted policy and affirmative action measures.
GHBUSS
01 April 2026
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