Women with disabilities in Ghana are urgently calling on the government to expedite the ratification of the African Disability Protocol (ADP). This crucial international agreement is seen as vital for addressing the specific and often overlooked challenges faced by persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, within the country. The push for ratification gained momentum during a recent stakeholder engagement in Accra, where disability rights advocates emphasized the protocol’s potential to strengthen inclusive policies and empower marginalized groups.
Context: The African Disability Protocol
The African Disability Protocol, adopted by the African Union in 2018, aims to promote and protect the human rights of persons with disabilities across the continent. It builds upon the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) by addressing specific regional contexts and challenges. Key objectives include ensuring persons with disabilities have equal opportunities, access to education and employment, and are protected from discrimination and violence.
Ghana, like many African nations, has existing legislation concerning disability rights. However, advocates argue that a dedicated protocol offers a more comprehensive and binding framework. Ratification signifies a government’s commitment to upholding the protocol’s standards and integrating its principles into national law and policy.
Advocates Demand Urgent Action
During a recent meeting in Accra, disability rights advocates voiced their strong support for the ADP’s swift ratification. Veronica Kofiedu, Founder and Executive Director of the Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organisation, highlighted the protocol’s specific provisions for women and girls with disabilities. She stressed that their voices are crucial in this advocacy effort.
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