By Yussif Ibrahim, GNA
Konongo-Odumase (Ash), March 17, GNA – ABAK Foundation and its partners implementing a two-year European-funded project aimed at strengthening grassroots advocacy and participation, have highlighted significant gains in promoting inclusive development.
The project, dubbed “Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana,” is being implemented by ABAK Foundation Ghana in partnership with Sightsavers Ireland across selected districts in the Ashanti, Bono East, Bono and Greater Accra Regions.
Mr. Philip Duah, Executive Director of ABAK Foundation, speaking at a Learn and Share Festival at Konongo-Odumase in the Asante-Akim Central Municipality to showcase gains made so far, said the initiative had significantly improved the capacity of local civil society organisations to implement disability-inclusive programmes.
He explained that ABAK and its partners worked in 20 districts and trained 23 local organisations, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to address challenges affecting persons with disabilities, particularly women.
“In total, about 339 civil society actors have been trained to promote disability inclusion within their communities,” he said, adding that, strengthening grassroots organisations remained critical to tackling stigma and barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
Mr. Duah noted that, the project also enhanced understanding of how issues such as climate change and social discrimination disproportionately affected women with disabilities, enabling local groups to design targeted interventions.
The festival brought together beneficiaries, traditional authorities, religious leaders and community stakeholders to reflect on lessons learned, assess successes and identify gaps for future action.
“We are discussing what went well, what could have been done better and, most importantly, how to sustain the gains made beyond the project’s lifecycle,” he stated.
He emphasised the need for continuous collaboration among stakeholders to ensure that advocacy efforts translated into tangible improvements in health systems, community participation and social inclusion.
Mr. David Agyemang, Country Director of Sightsavers Ireland, described the event as a key milestone, marking the final phase of public engagement under the project, which was expected to end in May 2026.
He said the initiative had strengthened the institutional and operational capacity of partner organisations, enabling them to participate more effectively in decision-making processes within their sectors.
“Sightsavers is proud of the progress achieved.
ABAK Foundation has demonstrated improved organisational management and stronger engagement in advocacy and policy discussions,” he said.
Mr. Agyemang expressed optimism that the networks and partnerships established during the project would help to sustain its impact and advance the rights and inclusion of women with disabilities across Ghana.
Participants at the festival called for sustained investment in disability-focused initiatives and urged government agencies and development partners to prioritise inclusive policies that address the needs of vulnerable groups.
GNA
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/George-Ramsey Benamba