The Centre for Persons with Disability (CePiD), a non-profit organisation based in Techiman, has organised a sensitisation programme for members of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled on the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), as well as international conventions protecting the rights of persons living with disabilities (PWDs).
The programme, held at the Bonokyempem Hall in Techiman in the Bono East Region, brought together about 50 participants. It aimed at enhancing their understanding of the provisions of Act 715 and highlighting the rights and privileges guaranteed under the law.
Participants were also equipped with knowledge and practical skills to engage local authorities and traditional leaders on issues of inclusive development. The training further empowered them to make legitimate demands for their rights and actively participate in social and economic development discussions.
Speaking at the event, the resource person, Dr Abdulai Darimani, a Senior Lecturer at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), took participants through key aspects of Act 715 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
He emphasised that persons with disabilities are entitled to fundamental human rights and should not face discrimination under any circumstances.
He outlined several rights enshrined in the Act, including the right to family life and social participation, protection against discrimination and exploitation, access to public places and services, and fair treatment in judicial proceedings.
Dr Darimani, however, expressed concern over the absence of a Legislative Instrument (LI) to operationalise Act 715, nearly two decades after its passage and called for urgent steps to ensure the LI is enacted to strengthen the implementation of the law.
He further urged persons with disabilities to advocate for amendments to the Act to give legal backing to the Disability Fund, which currently operates as an administrative arrangement.
He added that the proposed amendments should also include specific provisions addressing the needs of women and children with disabilities.
The Coordinator of CePiD, Peace Amma Nyande, explained that Techiman was selected for the programme due to its status as a major commercial hub that attracts diverse groups of people.
She noted that it is crucial for persons with disabilities to be well-informed about their rights under Ghana’s disability laws and other relevant legal frameworks in order to effectively demand and protect those rights.
Ms Nyande also disclosed that CePiD plans to organise similar training programmes in the coming years to reach more beneficiaries.
CePiD is committed to promoting the rights and empowerment of persons with disabilities through a holistic and inclusive approach. The organisation focuses on raising awareness about legal protections, entitlements, and social services, while also providing skills training in entrepreneurship and financial management to enhance employability, economic independence, and self-reliance.
