A delegation from the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has recently held discussions with the Hon. Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.
The GFD President, Joseph Atsu Homadzi, expressed appreciation for the Ministry’s efforts and support towards reviewing and re-enacting the Persons with Disability Act (Act 715). He appealed to the Minister to continue her efforts to expedite the process through the relevant stakeholders to facilitate speedy passage and alignment with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).
Mr Homadzi also called for upgrading rehabilitation and vocational training centres nationwide for persons with disabilities, emphasising the need for skills development. He proposed exploring legal backing for a 5% quota for employing persons with disabilities, highlighting the importance of economic empowerment. Additionally, he appealed to the Minister to facilitate the President’s pledge to establish a fund for entrepreneurship among women with disabilities.
In her response, the Minister assured that disability issues are a priority for the government under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, exemplified by the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities. She committed to addressing the issues raised and urged GFD to collaborate with stakeholders for a unified voice on disability issues.
The delegation invited the Minister to give a keynote address at this year’s International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) on December 3, which she accepted.
Source: Gaddafi Don Lansah
