Accra: Mr. Auberon Jeleel Odoom, the Executive Director of Inclusion Ghana, has highlighted the Social Protection Act as a critical opportunity for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to advocate for greater inclusivity within social protection interventions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Odoom emphasized that the new legislation provides a framework to uphold the rights of PWDs, aligning with Article 28 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of PWDs, which guarantees their right to social protection. The Social Protection Act, 2025 (Act 1148), establishes a legal structure for coordinated social protection delivery, including the creation of a Social Protection Fund and sustainable support for the poor and vulnerable.
The law covers interventions such as the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) Programme and the Ghana School Feeding Programme, among other initiatives aimed at assisting disadvantaged groups. Mr. Odoom stressed the importance of an inclusive approach to these interventions, ensuring that PWDs are not overlooked in the process.
He pointed out that historically, PWDs have been an afterthought in social protection programs in Ghana. The passage of the Social Protection Act marks a significant advancement in promoting the rights and welfare of PWDs, providing a legal basis for challenging denials of access to social protection.
Mr. Odoom expressed hopes for further discussions with the government and emphasized the potential impact of passing the amended version of the Persons with Disability Bill. This amendment would create additional opportunities for PWDs to access resources and benefits from other legislative measures.
Additionally, Mr. Odoom urged the government to ratify the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights concerning the Rights of PWDs in Africa. He believes this would demonstrate national leadership in safeguarding the dignity and rights of PWDs. He also called for amendments to the bill to enhance opportunities for PWDs.
