Ghana Urged to Amend Disability Law to Align with UN Convention

Several countries have called on Ghana to revise its Persons with Disability Law, Act 715, to promote and safeguard the rights of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and align with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). The Universal Peer Review (UPR) Process in January 2023 emphasized the need for the government to take further measures to address discrimination against PWDs, including implementing the existing ban on shackling.

The UPR review process involves assessing the human rights records of all UN member states to report on the steps taken to improve their human rights situation. Ghana has been reviewed three times, but there have not been any specific disability-related shadow reports except for the national report. The UPR recommendations were made by 11 countries, including Mexico, Norway, and Portugal, among others.

Aside from aligning Act 715 with the CRPD, Ghana was also urged to enhance the protection of PWDs by promoting inclusive education for all and finalizing measures to support children with severe forms of disabilities that impede their access to schools. The Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations also submitted a national human rights shadow report to the UPR secretariat to highlight the concerns of PWDs and identify gaps in the implementation of the UNCRPD.

For the most part, the recommendations focus on redoubling efforts to tackle discrimination against PWDs and promoting their participation in society on an equal basis. The government is tasked to adopt and implement an employment equity policy, implement an inclusive education policy, and enforce section 60 of Act 715. Continuous advocacy and engagement with relevant duty-bearers and partners are necessary for the adoption and subsequent implementation of the recommendations.

In a nutshell, Ghana must prioritize the rights of PWDs and address the gaps in their protection. By aligning Act 715 with the CRPD and implementing the recommendations made by the UPR, Ghana can ensure that PWDs enjoy equal access to education, employment, and other opportunities in society.