By Caleb Kuleke, GNA
Ho, Aug. 11, GNA – The Challenged Foundation, a non-government organisation, has called on the Government to ratify the African Disability Protocol (ADP) without further delay.
The Foundation stressed that the ratification was crucial to move national inclusion efforts beyond mere policy into enforceable practice and systemic accountability.
The Foundation made the call in a communique signed by over 15 persons with disabilities within the Ho Municipality after a community dialogue on the African Disability Protocol.
The dialogue forms part of the Foundation’s Inclusion Beyond Policy: Ratification, Implementation and Accountability campaign.
The dialogue brought together persons with disabilities, with a special focus on women, who shared their live experiences, deepened their understanding of the Protocol.
The Foundation noted with grave concern that women and girls with disabilities consistently face double discrimination, both as women and as persons with disabilities, particularly in education, livelihoods and access to public spaces.
It reminded authorities that these specific vulnerabilities were recognised and addressed under Article 33 of the African Disability Protocol, making its swift ratification a matter of urgent human rights.
The communique also appealed to the Ho Municipal Assembly to take action to ensure accessibility of all public spaces and actively include women with disabilities in local decision-making processes.
Mr Seth Lasidzi, the Director of the Foundation told the Ghana News Agency after the dialogue that delayed ratification stalled the full inclusivity vital to the country’s development.
He stated that the delay deepened the marginalisation of people with disabilities, severely restricting their access to education, sustainable livelihoods, and public spaces.
Mr Lasidzi urged traditional and community leaders to respect the rights of persons with disabilities and create an environment where they can reach their full potential.
Madam Elikplim Afua Klu, the Volta Regional President of Ghana Federation of Disability Organisation, a facilitator at the dialogue, stated that the ratification was necessary to ensure full protection of the rights of persons with disabilities.
She said the Protocol was a legally binding African human rights treaty that protects the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa, and provided a disability rights framework that reflected African social, cultural and economic realities.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah