By Albert Allotey
Accra, Oct. 03, GNA – The International Persons with Disability Empowerment Conference (INPEWDEC 2024) is scheduled to be held in November this year in Accra on the theme: “Empowering Persons with Disabilities: Promoting Inclusivity, Equity, and Sustainable Development.”
It is aimed at gathering over 250 persons with disabilities (PWDS), experts, donor agencies, and stakeholders from various sectors to address the challenges faced by PWDs in Ghana and neighbouring countries.
It would serve as a platform for PWDs to share experiences, gain knowledge, and develop innovative solutions for a more inclusive society, and the focus would be on raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and fostering collaborations.
The two-day event would feature workshops, plenary sessions, networking opportunities, and the launch of a regional PWD empowerment programme.
It is being organised by the Sustainable Development In Africa (S-DIA) Advocacy, Limited by Guarantee (LBG) in collaboration with the National Council of Persons with Disability under the auspices of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and The Sedofa Consultancy.
Mr. Kweku Kakah, the Executive Director of S-DIA Advocacy LBG, in a statement said the conference, INPEWDEC 2024, “comes at a time when the rights of persons with disabilities need urgent attention.”
He said by creating a platform for dialogue, we are not only raising awareness but also building a community of advocates and policymakers committed to driving actionable change.
“This is about inclusivity, equity, and ensuring every person with a disability has the support and opportunities they need to thrive,” Mr Kakah stated.
He said PWDs in Ghana, representing eight per cent of the population, continued to face significant barriers including limited access to education, healthcare, employment, and social inclusion.
“The INPEWDEC aims to address these issues by fostering dialogue and action to create a more accessible and equitable environment for PWDs,” he noted
The conference will therefore highlight the importance of inclusive infrastructure, policies, and support systems while offering PWDs the opportunity to showcase their talents and receive special awards for their contributions to society.
Mr. Kakah added, “The challenges faced by PWDs are not just physical, but systemic. Many public and private buildings in Ghana remain inaccessible, and discrimination continues to limit opportunities in education and employment.”
“This conference is our way of coming together to find solutions that will break down these barriers and build a future that embraces diversity and accessibility for all.”
The conference will bring together stakeholders from various sectors, including technology, finance, health, education, and civil society, to collaborate on actionable solutions for empowering PWDs.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to explore innovations in assistive technologies, as well as gain insights from motivational talks and success stories of PWDs who have achieved remarkable milestones.
GNA