GFD Calls for an Urgent Overhaul of Ghana’s Disability Act to Eliminate Persistent Barriers

Introduction

The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has launched a high‑profile campaign demanding a comprehensive revision of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715). Although the law was pioneering when it was enacted, disability advocates now argue that it no longer meets the standards set by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Ghana ratified in 2012. This article analyses the current shortcomings of the Act, outlines the GFD’s reform agenda, and provides practical guidance for policymakers, civil‑society actors, and individuals with disabilities.

Analysis

Why the 2006 Act Is Considered “Out‑of‑Date”

• Limited Scope of Accessibility: The legislation does not contain enforceable standards for physical accessibility in public buildings, transport, or digital platforms, leaving many facilities inaccessible.
• Weak Enforcement Mechanisms: Penalties for non‑compliance are vague, and there is no dedicated monitoring agency with the power to conduct inspections.
• Employment Provisions Are Outdated: The Act requires a 5 % quota for the employment of persons with disabilities in the public sector, but it lacks clear incentives or penalties for private‑sector compliance.
• Education Rights Are Incomplete: While the Act mentions inclusive education, it does not align with the Free Tertiary Education Programme for Persons with Disabilities introduced in 2020, nor does it guarantee reasonable accommodations at the primary and secondary levels.
• Health‑Care Access Gaps: No specific provisions address the need for accessible health‑care facilities, assistive‑technology subsidies, or disability‑sensitive training for health‑care workers.

Alignment With International Standards

Since ratifying the UNCRPD, Ghana has committed to:

1. Ensuring equal recognition before the law (Article 5).
2. Guaranteeing access to justice (Article 13).
3. Providing inclusive education (Article 24).
4. Promoting full participation in economic life (Article 27).

The current Act 715 falls short of these obligations, prompting the GFD to call for a “modern framework that reflects our rights, aspirations, and the realities of today.”

Key Voices in the Reform Debate

During a press conference in Accra, Martha Coffie, National Gender Representative of the GFD, emphasized that “Ghana committed to international standards when we ratified the UN Convention, but our laws have not kept pace.” She highlighted everyday obstacles faced by disabled Ghanaians, including:

• Inaccessible public transport that limits mobility.
• Employment discrimination despite the existence of quota policies.
• Barriers to secondary and tertiary education, even with scholarship schemes.
• Health‑care facilities lacking ramps, tactile signage, or trained personnel.

Coffie’s remarks underline the urgency of legislative reform to translate Ghana’s international commitments into tangible, enforceable rights.

Summary

The GFD’s demand for a revised disability law is rooted in concrete gaps between Ghana’s 2006 Persons with Disabilities Act and the country’s obligations under the UNCRPD. Persistent barriers—ranging from inaccessible infrastructure to limited employment opportunities—continue to marginalise millions of Ghanaians with disabilities. A modernised Act would provide clearer institutional responsibilities, stronger enforcement tools, and alignment with global best practices.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Policymakers

1. Conduct a Legislative Audit: Map each UNCRPD article against current national law to identify gaps.
2. Establish a Dedicated Enforcement Agency: Create an autonomous body with inspection powers, similar to the Equality and Human Rights Commission in the UK.
3. Introduce Graduated Penalties: Define clear fines and sanctions for non‑compliance in public and private sectors.
4. Integrate Assistive‑Technology Funding: Allocate budget lines for subsidising wheelchairs, hearing aids, and screen‑reader software.
5. Mandate Accessibility Audits: Require periodic audits of public infrastructure and digital platforms, with results made public.

For Employers

• Develop inclusive recruitment policies that exceed the 5 % quota.
• Offer workplace accommodations such as adjustable desks, sign‑language interpreters, and flexible working hours.
• Provide disability‑awareness training for all staff.

For Persons with Disabilities and Advocacy Groups

• Document instances of discrimination and submit them to the proposed enforcement agency.
• Engage in public consultations during the drafting of the revised Act.
• Collaborate with international bodies (e.g., UNDP, World Bank) to secure technical assistance for policy reform.

Points of Caution

While the push for reform is widely supported, stakeholders should be mindful of the following risks:

• Implementation Lag: Passing a new law does not guarantee immediate enforcement; capacity‑building for monitoring bodies is essential.
• Political Turnover: Changes in government could delay or dilute reform proposals.
• Resource Constraints: Budgetary allocations for accessibility upgrades may be limited; phased implementation plans are advisable.
• Potential Backlash: Some private‑sector actors may resist increased quotas; stakeholder dialogue is crucial to mitigate opposition.

Comparison

Legal Implications

Amending Act 715 carries several legal consequences:

• Constitutional Consistency: The revised Act must respect Article 21 of Ghana’s Constitution, which guarantees the right to equality and prohibits discrimination.
• International Law: Full compliance with the UNCRPD will strengthen Ghana’s standing in international human‑rights forums and may affect foreign aid eligibility.
• Litigation Landscape: Clearer rights and enforcement mechanisms could increase the number of disability‑related lawsuits, prompting the judiciary to develop specialised case law.
• Regulatory Overlap: Coordination with existing statutes—such as the Labour Act 2003 and the Education Act 2008—will be required to avoid contradictions.

Conclusion

The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations’ call for a “pressing overhaul” of the Persons with Disabilities Act is grounded in concrete evidence of systemic barriers that hinder full societal participation for millions of Ghanaians. By modernising the legal framework, Ghana can bridge the gap between its international commitments under the UNCRPD and the lived reality of its citizens with disabilities. Policymakers, civil‑society groups, and the private sector all have pivotal roles to play in ensuring that the revised Act becomes a catalyst for genuine inclusion, equal opportunity, and sustainable development.

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