STAR-Ghana Foundation under the Action for Voice and Inclusive Development (AVID) project is making strides in influencing reforms that secure the rights of persons with disabilities.

AVID is an initiative funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and aims to create an inclusive society where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

With a focus on building consensus within the disability community on the final Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2024, the Foundation in collaboration with the National Council of Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) organised a feedback engagement in Accra on Wednesday April 17, 2024.

The feedback session is one of the support the NCPD is receiving from STAR-Ghana Foundation. The council is also receiving support to develop the cabinet memo ahead of the bills laying before Parliament.

The engagement brought together various stakeholders, including organisations for and of PWDs, representatives from the Attorney-General’s Department, ministries, civil society organisations and parasports.

Sarah Adjei, who is the Project Manager of AVID, recalled that the Foundation and NCPWD have had a long history of collaboration. Between 2017 and 2020, STAR-Ghana provided technical and financial support to the Council on the amendment to the Disability Act. Under the partnership, the amendment of the Act was drafted, and consultations held with key groups to build consensus.

She reiterated the Foundation’s dedication to working closely with the Council and others in promoting the rights of PWDs.

“The success of the Persons with Disabilities Bill, 2024, hinges on the collective efforts of all stakeholders in ensuring the bill’s timely submission and presentation to parliament. We also hope that the bill would pave the way for a more inclusive society.

“I call on all stakeholders to continue advocating for the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities,” she said.

In an address, the Chief Executive of the NCPWD, Esther Gyamfi, commended STAR-Ghana Foundation for the efforts in advocating for inclusive development through the AVID project and emphasised the importance of the initiative in promoting the rights and welfare of PWDs.

She highlighted the need for continued collaboration and communication to address challenges faced by PWDs and to create a more inclusive environment for all.

Fact sheet
– The National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) is leading the amendment processes for the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715).
– The amendment aims to make Act 715 “more comprehensive and broaden the benefits of the law for the interest and well-being of persons with disabilities and stakeholders in the disability field.
– Additionally, the amendment aims to ensure compliance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and further establishes National Commission on Disability inclusion to provide for the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities and for related matters.

Esther Gyamfi, Chief Executive of the NCPWD