Ghana has presented and defended its initial state party report to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) during the 31st Session of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Geneva.
This pivotal session, which also reviewed the compliance of other nations including Benin, Burkina Faso, Belarus, Belgium, and Ukraine, aimed to evaluate the progress and challenges in implementing the CRPD’s provisions.
Representing Ghana at the session, the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, Hon. Dakoa Newman, led the defense of the nation’s report. She reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to fostering a society where all citizens, including persons with disabilities, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the country’s developmental agenda.
In her address, Minister Newman highlighted Ghana’s ongoing efforts to integrate disability inclusion into its national policies.
“The National Medium-Term Development Policy Framework 2022-2025 has placed disability inclusion at the core of Ghana’s development agenda.
“This commitment is reflected in investments in inclusive education, healthcare, the development of accessible curricula, and the training of teachers to support students with disabilities.”
Hon. Dakoa Newman, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection
The CRPD review process is a comprehensive assessment designed to ensure that signatory countries are effectively safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities. The session included in-depth dialogues with State parties, Civil Society Organizations, and other key stakeholders, focusing on strategies and actions needed to guarantee that individuals with disabilities fully enjoy their human rights.
The Minister also revealed that the Sector Medium Term Plan of the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has embedded disability concerns across various sectors.
These include child protection, gender equality, women’s empowerment, social services, and the prevention of gender-based violence and exploitation. This holistic approach underscores the government’s recognition of the intersectional nature of disability rights.
A significant highlight of Ghana’s report was the comprehensive review of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006, in line with the UN CRPD guidelines.
This review aims to expand the mandate of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities, transforming it into a Commission with greater authority and capacity to coordinate disability-related activities across the country.
The enhanced mandate is expected to improve the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and ensure better implementation of the CRPD provisions at the national level.
Hon. Newman also announced the launch of the Digital Acceleration Project for Digital Jobs and Inclusion, a new initiative aimed at bridging the digital divide for persons with disabilities.
This project includes conducting a baseline survey on digital inclusion, equipping ICT centers, and enhancing schools for persons with disabilities with the necessary digital infrastructure.
The project is a clear indication of Ghana’s forward-looking approach to ensuring that persons with disabilities are not left behind in the digital age.
Employment and Social Integration
The Ghanaian government has placed a strong emphasis on the economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, recognizing it as crucial to building a just and prosperous nation.
The Minister highlighted the expansion of vocational training programs and the promotion of entrepreneurship as key strategies in this regard.
Hon. Newman noted, “The initiatives are complemented by inclusive workplace policies that aim to provide persons with disabilities with opportunities to reach their full potential.”
During the two-day session, the Ghanaian delegation engaged in detailed discussions with the UN committee, addressing various aspects of disability rights in the country.
Topics included improving access to education and employment, protecting against violence, abuse, and exploitation, and the strengthening of institutions responsible for monitoring human rights to ensure full compliance with the CRPD.
Ghana’s efforts were met with commendation from the committee, which acknowledged the significant strides made by the government in promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Hon. Newman reiterated Ghana’s dedication to working closely with civil society organizations, persons with disabilities, and international partners to develop effective and inclusive policies. She emphasized that such collaboration is essential for sustaining and advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in Ghana.
Led by Hon. Dakoa Newman, the delegation’s defense of the state report not only highlighted the country’s achievements but also reinforced its commitment to continuous improvement in safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities.
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