Dormaa-Ahenkro: The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisation (GFD) has called on the government to actively involve recognised disability organisations and associations in the implementation of policies and programmes. Mr. John Gyamfi Yeboah Asuamah, the Dormaa Central Municipal Branch Secretary of the GFD, emphasized the need for inclusivity in the process of implementing programmes, policies, and the Election 2024 political party manifesto of President John Dramani Mahama's government. He highlighted the importance of including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), vulnerable, and minority groups in these initiatives.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Asuamah expressed concerns that President Mahama's campaign promises and the NDC manifesto lacked a clear roadmap for implementing policies and programmes benefiting PwDs. In an interview at Dormaa-Ahenkro, he pointed out the disconnect in soliciting and implementing inputs and ideas from PwDs, stressing that they "know best what we like." Mr. Asuamah cautioned the government against making decisions without widely and broadly including PwDs' inputs, although he acknowledged the contributions of successive governments in implementing the Disability Act, 2006, and guidelines for the disbursement of the Disability fund of the District Assemblies.
However, Mr. Asuamah argued that more needs to be done to improve the lives of PwDs. He cited inadequate resources for the National Council for Disability and the absence of Regional Offices for the council as significant issues. He also noted ongoing challenges regarding PwDs accessing public institutions due to the unfriendly nature of buildings. Mr. Asuamah appealed to the government to facilitate the prompt release and disbursement of the Disability fund to PwDs.
In a separate interview, Mr. Isaac Afari, a PwD and member of the organisation, raised concerns about the lack of transparency and information regarding the disbursement of the Disability fund. He advocated for increasing the fund from the current three percent to five percent to benefit more PwDs.
