President John Dramani Mahama has unveiled a far-reaching framework to make inclusion a lived reality for persons with disabilities, reaffirming his government’s resolve to remove barriers and ensure equal opportunity across all sectors of national life.

Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities Policy, the President said the new measures reflect a decisive shift from policy promises to practical implementation.

“Inclusion must not remain a slogan — it must be lived and felt in every home, every school, every office, and every community,” he said.

Key Measures for Inclusive Development

The President outlined several initiatives that form part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen disability rights and empower persons with disabilities nationwide:

* Legislative Reform: Government will introduce a Persons with Disability Amendment Act and accompanying Legislative Instrument to modernise the 2006 law, strengthen enforcement, and increase penalties for institutions that fail to comply with accessibility standards.

* Health and Early Assessment: Disability Health and Resource Centres will be established in all districts to provide specialised health services and create a credible national database for informed policy action.

* Rehabilitation and Empowerment: Rehabilitation centres across all regions will be constructed or upgraded to support physical recovery and provide vocational and technical training.

* Local Governance Integration: Disability desks will be set up in every district assembly to ensure that disability concerns are fully integrated into local development planning.

* Employment Quota: The government will enforce a minimum 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities across both public and private sectors. Private firms that meet this quota will receive tax incentives, while public institutions will be required to report annually on compliance.

* Gender Empowerment: Dedicated entrepreneurship and leadership programmes will be launched for women with disabilities to promote self-reliance and leadership participation.

* Accessibility and Infrastructure: The government will strictly enforce national accessibility standards for all public buildings and facilities. Penalties for non-compliance will be increased to include higher fines and up to six months’ imprisonment.

In a major boost to local development, President Mahama announced that beginning next year, the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for persons with disabilities will increase from 3% to 5%.

“Every district assembly, in consultation with the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, will prepare a budget each year on how to utilise their allocation,” he said.

He also disclosed plans to distribute rechargeable motorised wheelchairs nationwide to enhance mobility and independence for persons with disabilities.

Accountability and Partnership

The President directed all ministers of state to review their obligations under the Disability Act and submit detailed action plans for full compliance. Each ministry will also be required to present an annual compliance report to ensure accountability and transparency.

Calling for collective action, President Mahama urged the private sector, civil society, academia, development partners, and the media to join forces with government to make inclusion a defining feature of Ghana’s national identity.

“Let us move from commiseration to partnership, from exclusion to empowerment, and from sympathy to solidarity,” he appealed. “Together, we must build a Ghana that celebrates difference and values the contribution of every citizen.”