By Priscilla Oye Ofori  

Accra, June 29, GNA — The Voices of Women and Children with Disabilities in Ghana (VOWAC Ghana) has called on the government to ratify the African Disability Protocol (ADP) and operationalise it within the country.  

Although the Protocol was adopted by the African Union (AU) on 3rd June 2024, it has yet to be ratified by Ghana, rendering it non-operational locally.  

Ms Juliana Afia Mahmood, Executive Director of VOWAC Ghana, made the appeal during a workshop on the African Disability Protocol for women with disabilities, organised by VOWAC Ghana with support from the ADD International Disability Justice Fund, in Accra.  

Originally adopted by the AU in 2018 at the 30th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the ADP offers a comprehensive framework for promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) across Africa.   

It aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and other international human rights instruments.  

“Since Ghana had not ratified the Protocol, PWDs, especially women and girls, were unable to access and enjoy their fundamental human rights such as rights to education and health care,” said Ms Mahmood.  

She noted that the Protocol highlights minority representation and gives particular attention to older persons and children with disabilities.  

Ms. Mahmood explained that the ADP sets out obligations for AU member states to implement its provisions through national legislation, policy development, and resource allocation for disability inclusion.  

It also requires countries to monitor implementation and report on progress and challenges.  

However, she reiterated that Ghana’s failure to ratify the Protocol continued to disadvantage persons with disabilities.  

“Signing the ADP could raise awareness about disability issues within the country and the region, promoting advocacy efforts and encouraging public discourse on the rights of PWDs,” she said.  

Mrs Mahmood added that ratification would open avenues for partnerships with other countries, civil society organisations, and stakeholders working towards disability inclusion.  

Also speaking at the event, Mrs Elsie Adwoa Amponsah Dapaah, Country Representative for ADD International and a lawyer, pointed out that Ghana lacked a specific legal framework protecting the rights of persons with disabilities from abuse and discrimination.  

She called on traditional leaders to join the fight against stigma and discrimination.  

 “The ADP is tailored to the African context, taking into account the unique cultural, social, and economic challenges faced by PWDs and their caregivers in Africa,” she stated.  

GNA   

Edited by Kenneth Sackey