Engagement with the leadership of Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD)
The participation of citizens in politics including Person’s with Disability (PWDs) is critical in mitigating marginalization, promoting good local governance, political and social inclusion and advancement of democracy in every nation. The 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution grants every citizen the fundamental rights and freedoms to participate in social and political activities. The Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act, 715) was crafted to promote and protect equal rights of participation of PWDs in the country’s political activities. Ghana has robust laws and legislations that encourage PWDs to participate in both local and national governance. However, since the promulgation of the Fourth Republican Constitution, participation in politics regarding appointment of PWDs at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), Parliament and ministries has been low. The significance of PWDs participating in the political process of any country has been acknowledged internationally because it enhances their dignity, promotes their fundamental human rights and political awareness. It is through such inclusion in the political process that democracy would be deepened.
Against this background, the Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG) held an engagement on the 9th February, 2022 with a selected number of high-profile PWDs on the topic: ‘’Proposals for Promoting an Inclusive Local Governance System.’’ The meeting sought to provide proposals for the amendment of Articles 55 (3) and 243 (1) of the 1992 Fourth Republican Constitution to open up the political space for the participation of everybody including PWDs in the governance process of the country. The topics discussed included:
- “Political Participation of Persons with Disability” – Ms. Esther Akua Gyamfi, Executive Secretary, National Council for Persons with Disability (NCPWD).
- “Strategic Amendment of the 1992 Constitution” – Dr. Kofi Takyi Asante, Senior Research Fellow-IDEG
- “Proposals for Promoting an Inclusive Local Governance System” – Mr. Kwesi Jonah, Senior Research Fellow-IDEG
At the end of the engagement, the leadership of the GFD offered their support for IDEG’s proposals for promoting an inclusive Local Governance System and the participation of all citizens in the political process of the country. They also admonished that It is pertinent for government and policy makers to give meaning to the slogans ‘’Leaving Nobody Behind’’ and “Nothing About Us Without Us.’’