The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) in the Savannah Region has presented a petition to the Regional Minister, Hon. Isifu Salisu Be-Awuribe, calling for the immediate re-enactment and passage of the revised Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
The petition, presented on Thursday at the Regional Coordinating Council in Damongo, was submitted by the Savannah Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Persons with Disability, Mr. Takorah Joshua Dramani and was recieved by the Regional Coordinating Director on behalf of the Minister.
In the petition, the association expressed concerns that persons with disabilities have been marginalized for too long and urged Regional Ministers, Members of Parliament, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and other relevant authorities to intervene as a matter of urgency.
According to the petition, while Act 715 has served as an important foundation for promoting the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities since its passage nearly two decades ago, significant gaps remain. The group emphasized that the Act needs to be fully aligned with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), which Ghana ratified in 2012.
“The ongoing review of Act 715 is therefore a critical national priority that requires strong political will, regional support and stakeholder collaboration,” the petition stated.
The association outlined several reasons why the revised Act must be passed immediately, noting that despite commitments by government and stakeholders, progress has been slow. Persons with disabilities across all regions continue to face persistent barriers in education, healthcare, employment, transportation, digital access, justice and social protection.
The petition indicated that a strengthened and modernised disability law would align Ghana’s legal framework with international human rights standards, clarify institutional responsibilities for disability inclusion, improve access to essential services and social protection, enhance accountability across all government institutions, and promote inclusive development that contributes to national economic growth.
Speaking to Spear FM reporter Salifu Dauda, Mr. Takorah highlighted the challenges facing persons with disabilities in the Savannah Region. He noted that the share of the District Assembly Common Fund allocated to persons with disabilities is inadequate and that many continue to suffer and depend on family members for survival.
Mr. Takorah criticized the disability fund, describing the GH₵500 provided to persons with disabilities to establish themselves as insufficient. “The disability fund is nothing to ride home about,” he stated.
He added that the minister would need to respond to the petition, as it is part of a nationwide initiative. Similar petitions have been served to all Regional Ministers, Parliamentarians and MMDAs across the country, requiring urgent attention.
