Ghana’s Virtual Public Infrastructure Falls Short for Individuals with Disabilities

Introduction

On a chilly Sunday in Accra, Moro Ibrahim approaches an ATM—a routine task for most Ghanaians. Yet for Moro, a visually impaired citizen, withdrawing cash becomes an impossible challenge. The machine lacks voice guidance, tactile labels, or accessibility options, leaving him stranded. “I don’t know which button is one or two,” he says, his hands hovering helplessly. This moment isn’t an isolated inconvenience; it reflects systemic failures in Ghana’s rapidly growing digital financial landscape.

Ghana’s ambition to build a modern digital economy through mobile money, biometric IDs, and online banking promises efficiency and inclusion. However, for millions of citizens with disabilities, these “virtual public infrastructures” often create new barriers rather than breaking old ones. From inaccessible ATMs to communication gaps in banking halls, excluded communities face persistent obstacles that undermine their financial autonomy and dignity.

Analysis

The Visually Impaired and ATM Accessibility Gaps

For Ghana’s blind and low-vision communities, basic financial tools like ATMs remain out of reach. Most machines lack essential features such as:

• Voice-guided navigation
• Tactile buttons or Braille labels
• Private headphone jacks for PIN entry

Dr. Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa, a development economist at the University of Ghana, explains: “ATMs should be friendly to all citizens. But banks prioritize profit over inclusion. Without enforcement, they’ll ignore these needs.” This exclusion forces users like Moro to depend on third parties, compromising security and dignity. “Entering my PIN in public? That’s unsafe,” he states.

Physical and Attitudinal Barriers for Wheelchair Users

Mobility impairments compound digital exclusion. Many banking halls lack ramps, accessible counters, or automated doors. Alex Tetteh, an entrepreneur and leader of the Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities, shares his daily struggles: “You need ramps, accessible cash dispensers, and trained staff. But even when digital tools exist, attitude biases persist.”

Discrimination manifests in subtle ways: staff doubting disabled entrepreneurs’ business acumen, banks reluctance to offer credit, or customers avoiding transactions with wheelchair users. “The physical barrier is just the start,” Alex notes. “The real challenge is changing mindsets.”

Communication Exclusions for the Deaf Community

For deaf citizens, Ghana’s financial infrastructure fails at the most basic level: communication. Robert Frimpong Manso, a professional sign language interpreter, highlights systemic oversights:

• Banking announcements rely solely on audio
• Information screens use text inaccessible to sign-language users
• Staff lack sign language training

“Deaf people are forgotten,” Robert asserts. “Banks mount ramps for physical access but ignore communication needs. Registering for mobile money? You must answer verbal questions. Vendors can’t understand sign language. We’re forced to involve third parties for private transactions—which isn’t safe.”

Regulatory Gaps and Enforcement Challenges

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has policies mandating accessible services, including disability-friendly ATMs and training for bank staff. Yet implementation remains inconsistent. Dr. Ayerakwa critiques the regulator’s limited enforcement capacity: “Policies exist, but without teeth, banks deprioritize accessibility.” This regulatory vacuum allows exclusionary practices to persist.

Summary

Ghana’s digital financial transformation, while ambitious, has left individuals with disabilities behind. Key exclusion points include:

• **Visually impaired users** face non-accessible ATMs lacking audio and tactile interfaces.
• **Mobility-impaired users** encounter physical barriers in banking halls and systemic biases.
• **Deaf users** experience communication gaps due to audio-only systems and lack of sign language support.
• **Regulatory policies** exist but suffer from weak enforcement, allowing banks to ignore inclusivity.

These failures not only violate citizens’ rights but also undermine Ghana’s goal of a truly inclusive digital economy.

Key Points

Practical Advice

For Financial Institutions

• Implement universal design in all digital tools: voice-guided ATMs, adjustable text sizes, and headphone jacks.
• Install physical accessibility features: ramps, wide doorways, and lowered counters.
• Provide sign language interpreters and visual alerts in banking halls.
• Train staff on disability awareness and inclusive communication.
• Partner with disability advocacy groups for feedback and testing.

For Government and Regulators

• Strengthen enforcement of the Persons with Disability Act (Act 715, 2006) and BoG guidelines.
• Conduct regular accessibility audits of financial infrastructure.
• Subsidize inclusive technology development for SMEs and rural banks.
• Launch public awareness campaigns on disability rights and inclusion.

For Individuals and Advocates

• Document accessibility barriers and report them to the BoG and local rights groups.
• Push for mandatory accessibility certifications in banking licenses.
• Promote peer-support networks for shared navigation of financial services.

Points of Caution

• Avoid “one-size-fits-all” solutions; needs vary across disability types.
• Ensure privacy protections for users relying on third-party assistance.
• Beware of superficial compliance (e.g., adding a ramp without training staff).
• Digital tools must be tested with real users, not just developers.

Comparison

Ghana vs. Global Best Practices

• Nigeria: Leads in ATM accessibility with voice-guided machines in major cities.
• Kenya: M-Pesa’s USSD codes include simple, pinless options for low-vision users.
• India: Mandatory sign language interpreters in public banking services under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Ghana can learn from these models while tailoring solutions to local contexts. For instance, integrating USSD-based voice responses could bridge gaps for visually impaired users without requiring costly hardware upgrades.

Legal Implications

Ghana’s legal framework includes:

• Persons with Disability Act (Act 715, 2006): Mandates equal access to public services, including financial infrastructure.
• Bank of Ghana’s Consumer Protection Regulations (2018): Require “reasonable accommodation” for disabled clients.

However, litigation remains rare due to awareness gaps and resource constraints. Strengthening enforcement mechanisms—such as fines for non-compliance and mandatory accessibility certifications—could drive tangible change.

Conclusion

Ghana’s digital financial leap holds promise—but only if inclusivity is woven into its foundation. For Moro Ibrahim, Alex Tetteh, and Robert Frimpong Manso, the current infrastructure isn’t just inconvenient; it’s a daily reminder of systemic exclusion. By prioritizing universal design, rigorous enforcement, and genuine collaboration with disabled communities, Ghana can transform its virtual public infrastructure from a wall into a bridge. The path to a truly digital economy passes through accessibility for all.

FAQ

Sources

• Bank of Ghana. (2018). Consumer Protection Regulations. Retrieved from bog.gov.gh
• Republic of Ghana. (2006). Persons with Disability Act (Act 715). Ghana Gazette.
• University of Ghana Business School. (2025). Interview with Dr. Hayford Mensah Ayerakwa.
• Ghana Chamber for Entrepreneurs with Disabilities. (2025). Personal account by Alex Tetteh.
• Life Pulse Daily. (2025, December 3). Ghana’s virtual public infrastructure falls short for individuals with disabilities.
• Robert Frimpong Manso, Professional Sign Language Interpreter. (2025). Personal interview.

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