<p data-start="263" data-end="631">The Executive Director of the Women with Disability Development &; Advocacy Organization (WODAO), Ms. Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, has called for the urgent passage of the Legislative Instrument needed to operationalize Ghana’s Persons with Disabilities Act, warning that delays continue to undermine the rights of persons with disabilities.</p>
<p data-start="633" data-end="877">Delivering the call while moderating a high-level panel discussion at the Learn and Share Festival in Ho on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, Ms. Kofiedu stressed that without the Legislative Instrument, the existing law remains largely ineffective.</p>
<p data-start="879" data-end="1109">“Without the Legislative Instrument, the law cannot function effectively. We must move from promises to implementation,” she stated, drawing strong attention to one of the most critical gaps in Ghana’s disability rights framework.</p>
<p data-start="1111" data-end="1386">The panel discussion formed part of activities marking the end of a two-year European Union-funded project titled <em data-start="1225" data-end="1308">“Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana,”</em> implemented by WODAO in partnership with Sightsavers and the ABAK Foundation.</p>
<p data-start="1388" data-end="1594">Bringing together government officials, civil society actors, and disability advocates, the session evolved into a powerful platform for reflection, lived experiences, and renewed calls for systemic change.</p>
<p data-start="1596" data-end="1743">Throughout the discussion, a consistent message emerged: <strong data-start="1653" data-end="1743">disability inclusion is a right—not charity—and must be backed by enforceable systems.</strong></p>
<p data-start="1745" data-end="2001">Mrs. Thywill Eyra Kpe, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Gender under the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, underscored that Ghana’s 1992 Constitution already guarantees the rights of persons with disabilities under Article 29.</p>
<p data-start="2003" data-end="2170">She noted that while Ghana has made progress in developing legal frameworks, including the Persons with Disabilities Act, implementation gaps continue to limit impact.</p>
<p data-start="2172" data-end="2287">“Disability rights are constitutional rights. The issue is not about recognition, but about enforcement,” she said.</p>
<p data-start="2289" data-end="2483">Madam Stella Mawusi Agbezuhlor Mawutor, Volta Regional Director of the Department of Social Welfare, pointed to growing awareness and the increasing role of civil society in advancing inclusion.</p>
<p data-start="2485" data-end="2630">She said advocacy efforts were gradually influencing infrastructure and public attitudes, leading to improved accessibility in some institutions.</p>
<p data-start="2632" data-end="2711">“We are making progress, even though there is more work to be done,” she noted.</p>
<p data-start="2713" data-end="2947">From the perspective of persons with disabilities, Ms. Elikplim Klu, Volta Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), delivered a compelling account of the realities faced by women with disabilities.</p>
<p data-start="2949" data-end="3089">She highlighted the “double discrimination” experienced by women with disabilities—first as women and secondly as persons with disabilities.</p>
<p data-start="3091" data-end="3234">“Inclusion is not charity. It is our right,” she stressed, calling for deliberate efforts to dismantle barriers and create equal opportunities.</p>
<p data-start="3236" data-end="3382">She identified persistent challenges including stigma, inaccessible public spaces, limited leadership opportunities, and economic marginalization.</p>
<p data-start="3384" data-end="3531">Princess Lovia Tetteh, Executive Director of LoveAid Foundation, emphasized the role of civil society in shaping inclusive policies and programmes.</p>
<p data-start="3533" data-end="3707">She noted that sustained advocacy had contributed to increasing the allocation of the District Assembly Common Fund for persons with disabilities from three to five per cent.</p>
<p data-start="3709" data-end="3824">She called for inclusive programming that actively involves persons with disabilities in decision-making processes.</p>
<p data-start="3826" data-end="3911">“When people are part of designing solutions, those solutions work better,” she said.</p>
<p data-start="3913" data-end="4111">The discussion also highlighted key solutions, including the need for disaggregated data, targeted capacity-building, and intentional efforts to position women with disabilities in leadership roles.</p>
<p data-start="4113" data-end="4257">Stakeholders further stressed the importance of extending interventions to rural communities, where stigma and exclusion remain more pronounced.</p>
<p data-start="4259" data-end="4366">Adding depth to the discussion, beneficiaries of the project shared powerful testimonies of transformation.</p>
<p data-start="4368" data-end="4533">Miss Juliana Ntenye recounted how the initiative had built her confidence and advocacy skills, enabling her to actively engage communities and challenge stereotypes.</p>
<p data-start="4535" data-end="4620">“Before this programme, I was shy. Today, I speak and advocate for others,” she said.</p>
<p data-start="4622" data-end="4808">Other beneficiaries, including Madam Sherita Kudoda and Mr. Moses Foli, also shared experiences highlighting increased awareness, empowerment, and participation in community development.</p>
<p data-start="4810" data-end="4984">Their stories underscored the impact of the project in equipping persons with disabilities with the tools to advocate for their rights and contribute meaningfully to society.</p>
<p data-start="4986" data-end="5191">Closing the session, Ms. Kofiedu reiterated her call for urgent action, urging policymakers to prioritize the passage of the Legislative Instrument to give full effect to the Persons with Disabilities Act.</p>
<p data-start="5193" data-end="5311">Her message captured the urgency of the moment: laws alone are not enough—implementation is what transforms lives.</p>
<p data-start="5313" data-end="5551">As stakeholders renewed their commitment to advancing disability inclusion, one message stood clear—until systems are strengthened and laws fully enforced, true inclusion will remain out of reach for many women with disabilities in Ghana.</p>
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