Stakeholders call for changes in Persons with Disability Act to be inclusive

 


Stakeholders have suggested changes to the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) to improve inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens.


At a forum discussing the current Act, Mr. Augustine Niber, the Executive Director of CEPIL, highlighted the need to strengthen legal protections for the rights and welfare of individuals with disabilities.


The event took place at Fiesta Royale Hotel on Thursday, March 27, and brought together important stakeholders to talk about necessary reforms to the legislation.


"We are here today to address the rights of individuals with disabilities and the legal systems that support their welfare," Mr. Niber stated.


He emphasized that disability is a universal issue, noting, "Anyone can face it at some point in their life."


Despite this, Mr. Niber pointed out that people with disabilities often encounter significant obstacles in society, including issues with physical access and social exclusion.


The forum aimed to find ways to improve legal protections, enhance accessibility, and create a more inclusive society.


"Our discussion today will focus on how we can strengthen legal protections, increase accessibility, and build an inclusive society where everyone can succeed without limitations," he added.


The suggested amendments to the Persons with Disability Act are viewed as a vital step toward ensuring that the rights of individuals with disabilities are fully acknowledged and protected.


Forum participants, including advocates, legal professionals, and individuals with disabilities, discussed how the existing legal framework may not adequately meet the changing needs of people with disabilities, particularly in education, employment, and public infrastructure.


Attendees were also given an overview of the key points of the Persons with Disability Act during the session.


A lawyer from the Centre for Public Interest Law, Alhassan Iddrisu, stressed the need to recognize the shortcomings in current legislation.


"We have been focusing on the Persons with Disability Act of 2006 and are well aware of its deficiencies," he stated. "We have reviewed the proposed amendments, and they largely reflect our expectations for the new act."





However, Mr. Iddrisu pointed out that the process is still in progress, and important issues raised during the forum require further attention.


"I must emphasize that the door is still open," he noted. "There are significant matters that emerged from today’s discussion, which will be compiled into a memorandum for the Minister of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, who is backing the bill, before it goes to Cabinet and then to Parliament for review."



A major topic at the forum was the necessity for enhanced representation of persons with disabilities at the national level.


Mr. Iddrisu suggested that the Constitutional Review Commission should look into implementing a quota system for persons with disabilities, ensuring their automatic inclusion in national decision-making.


"We could propose to the Constitutional Review Commission to establish a quota for persons with disabilities," he said. "This would ensure that they have some representation at the national level."

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