Why Ghana Must Prioritize the Ratification of the African Disability Protocol

 

In recent years, conversations around human rights, inclusion and social justice have gained increasing attention across Ghana and Africa. However, one group that continues to face persistent exclusion, discrimination and marginalization is persons with disabilities, especially women and girls with disabilities.

Despite various national and international commitments toward disability inclusion, many women with disabilities in Ghana still struggle daily with barriers that limit their access to education, healthcare, employment, leadership opportunities and meaningful participation in society.

These concerns took center stage during an Inception and Stakeholder Engagement Workshop organized by the Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organization (WODAO) in partnership with the Network of Women with Disabilities Africa (NEWDA) in Accra.

The workshop, themed “Strengthening the Women with Disabilities Movement and Advancing the Ratification of the African Disability Protocol in Ghana,” brought together parliamentarians, disability rights advocates, journalists, development partners, civil society organizations and government representatives to discuss practical ways of strengthening disability inclusion and policy reforms in Ghana.

As Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), I was honored to participate in the engagement and deliver a solidarity message in support of this important national advocacy effort.

Why the African Disability Protocol Matters

One major issue highlighted throughout the workshop was the urgent need for Ghana to ratify the African Disability Protocol (ADP).

The protocol is an important regional human rights instrument adopted by the African Union to strengthen the protection, inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities across the continent.

What makes the protocol particularly significant is that it specifically recognizes the unique vulnerabilities and challenges faced by women and girls with disabilities, who often experience multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.

Although Ghana enacted the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715), stakeholders at the workshop emphasized that existing legal frameworks still do not adequately address many of the specific issues confronting women with disabilities.

Ratifying the African Disability Protocol would therefore strengthen Ghana’s legal and policy framework while reaffirming the country’s commitment to disability rights, equality and inclusion.

The Media Must Go Beyond Reporting

During my remarks at the workshop, I emphasized the important role the media must play in disability advocacy and social transformation.

For many years, disability-related issues have often received limited attention within mainstream public discourse. The stories, struggles and aspirations of persons with disabilities are frequently underrepresented in media narratives and policy discussions.

This is why journalists and media organizations must move beyond traditional reporting and become active advocates for inclusion and human rights.

At Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), we strongly believe that disability rights are human rights. Through advocacy journalism, awareness creation and stakeholder engagement, we remain committed to amplifying marginalized voices and supporting initiatives that promote social justice and inclusive governance.

The fight for disability inclusion is not only a disability issue; it is a human rights issue that affects national development, equality and democratic participation.

Strong Calls for Collaboration and Action

The workshop also featured important contributions from several stakeholders within Ghana’s disability sector.

Convener of NEWDA, Prof. Augustina Naami, highlighted the discrimination and exclusion faced by women and girls with disabilities, stressing the urgent need for stronger protections and inclusive policies.

She noted that women with disabilities are more vulnerable to unemployment, poverty, violence and social exclusion due to systemic barriers within society.

Representing the Parliamentary Caucus on Persons with Disabilities, Member of Parliament for Suhum, Hon. Frank Asiedu Bekoe, reaffirmed Parliament’s commitment to supporting disability-inclusive legislation and policy reforms.

Similarly, Programme Manager at Sightsavers Ghana, Mohammed Abdul-Razak, expressed concern over Ghana’s delay in ratifying the African Disability Protocol despite the country’s long-standing reputation in promoting human rights and disability inclusion across Africa.

Executive Director of WODAO and Project Lead, Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, also explained that the initiative seeks to strengthen the women with disabilities movement, amplify their voices and build strategic partnerships capable of influencing national policies and advocacy.

The Time for Ghana to Act Is Now

One message was clear throughout the workshop: disability inclusion requires more than promises and policy discussions.

It requires action.

Women and girls with disabilities deserve equal opportunities, dignity, representation and protection under the law. They deserve to fully participate in every aspect of national development without barriers, discrimination or exclusion.

As a country that continues to champion democracy, human rights and social justice in Africa, Ghana must demonstrate leadership by ratifying and implementing the African Disability Protocol.

Doing so would send a strong message that the rights and welfare of persons with disabilities matter.

The time for action is now.