By Priscilla Oye Ofori
Accra, March 28, GNA – Mr. Alhassan Iddrisu, a Lawyer and Legal Advocate, Centre for Public Interest Law (CEPIL), has urged the Government to prioritise passing the proposed Bill to amend the Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) Act 715 of 2006.
He said that the previous law lacked enforcement mechanisms, but the proposed amendment was comprehensive and included provisions for enforcing rights.
Mr. Iddrisu made this call during a stakeholder engagement in Accra, aimed at reviewing the proposed amendment to Act 715.
The session, supported by OXFAM Ghana, sought to align the amendment with global and continental standards, expanding rights and opportunities for PWDs.
Parliament enacted Act 715 in 2006 to enforce PWDs’ rights as outlined in clause (8) of article 29 of the Constitution.
However, Mr. Iddrisu explained that the law predates Ghana’s ratification of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, making it outdated and noncompliant with the Convention’s standards.
He said the proposed amendment aimed to align Ghana’s domestic law with the UN Declaration on the Rights of Disabled People to expand their rights.
The amendment was expected to be considered by Parliament in 2024 but was delayed due to its incomplete state.
Mr. Iddrisu revealed that inputs from the engagement would be compiled into a memorandum for the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, who sponsors the Bill.
Comparative issues from other African countries will also be incorporated to enhance PWDs’ participation.
He stressed the need for constitutional provisions to introduce a quota system for PWDs, which is currently absent in existing legislation.
Participants, including Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and representatives of the PWDs community, advocated for increasing the three percent share of the District Assembly Common Fund for PWDs, ensuring timely disbursement and effective management.
They also called for resources and training to empower PWDs to understand and advocate for their rights.
CEPIL, a human rights-focused organization, comprises legal practitioners who provide free legal representation and services to vulnerable groups, including PWDs.
GNA
KAS