Tamale: The Savannah Women Integrated Development Agency (SWIDA-Ghana) has amplified its efforts to promote the rights of minority and socially excluded communities in Ghana. This initiative is part of their broader advocacy campaign aimed at fostering inclusivity and driving national development, particularly in deprived areas.
According to Ghana News Agency, the advocacy initiative includes radio discussions designed to educate the public on the importance of minority rights for sustainable development. The project, titled 'Empowering the Excluded for Increased Participation in Elections and Governance Processes in Northern Ghana', targets Fulbe communities, women, and youth across five districts in the Northern Region and four districts in the Savannah Region.
The beneficiary districts include Tamale Metropolis, Sagnarigu, Savelugu, Kumbungu, Tolon, West Gonja, Central Gonja, North Gonja, and Sawla-Tuna-Kalba. Since its implementation in October of the previous year, the project has received support from STAR Ghana Foundation and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. It incorporates advocacy and capacity-building activities to promote inclusive governance and awareness of fundamental human rights and electoral processes.
Miss Patience Basing, Project Officer at SWIDA-Ghana, noted after a public sensitisation engagement with Radio Savannah in Tamale that the initiative aims to raise awareness about safeguarding the rights of minority and vulnerable groups. The project has been pivotal in educating communities on eliminating discrimination and abuse, particularly against persons with disabilities.
Similar discussions were held in Damongo, Savannah Region, where Mr. Yahaya Mohammed, Northern Regional President of the Fulbe Youth Association of Ghana, praised the project's impact. He highlighted how it has improved understanding of human rights and responsibilities among Fulbe communities and facilitated access to essential stakeholders.
Mr. Mohammed also noted a significant achievement: the National Identification Authority has begun registering some Fulbe community members for the Ghana Card, an essential step for inclusive governance. He called on the government and stakeholders to implement policies that ensure the rights of all Ghanaians.
Mrs. Shahadatu Nima Abubakari, Northern Regional President of the Federation of Disability Organizations, stressed the need for active participation from stakeholders, including traditional authorities, to create a more inclusive society. She expressed concern over the discrimination and marginalization faced by persons with disabilities, including incidents of sexual violence. She urged traditional authorities to refrain from protecting perpetrators and to let the law serve as a deterrent.
