Accra, May 26, GNA – Some disability advocates have called on government to enforce the disability act to ensure the inclusion of persons with disabilities in our national development.
Ghana passed the disability act in 2006, yet after the expiration of the moratorium in August 2016, a lot of public places are still not accessible for persons with disabilities.
Mr Alexander Bankole Williams, Advocacy Chairman at the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) said many organizations including government organizations are flouting the section 6 of Act 715 and questioned who is responsible for enforcing the laws.
Mr Williams’ question came up at a meeting organized by Ghana Somubi Dwuamdie, a four year disability inclusion programme with the support of Sight Savers, Ghana and the GFD to discuss advocacy strategies.
The GFD Advocacy Chairman queried what measures have been put in place after the Ghana accessibility standards for the built environment was launched in November 2016.
“To what extent is the Inclusive education policy being implemented, what specific measures are being put in place to ensure that systems of transportation are accessible?” he asked.
He said persons with disabilities will be interested to be updated on specific measures put in place by government to ensure disability inclusion.
“The disability movement has always been involved in stakeholder engagement, sensitization and advocacy to ensure that their needs are included in the design of government’s programmes and policies, perhaps it is time to flood the courts with some of our issues,” Mr Williams said.
GNA