Parliament’s first participation in Global Disability Conference a major milestone – Dr. Apaak

Chairman of the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has hailed Parliament’s participation in the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in the United States.

According to Builsa South Lammaker, the move was a significant achievement in the country’s efforts to promote disability inclusion.

In a Facebook post, Dr. Apaak disclosed that he led Ghana’s delegation to the conference, which brought together governments, policymakers, and disability advocates from across the world to discuss progress and challenges relating to the rights of persons with disabilities.

“As chair of the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability, I was privileged to lead our delegation to the General Discussion of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD) in the United States,” he wrote.

The Builsa South MP noted that Ghana’s participation was particularly significant because it marked the country’s first appearance at the global gathering since the adoption of the Convention.

“Our historic and first-ever participation in the Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities (CRPD) was funded by Parliament,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak also used the opportunity to express gratitude to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, for facilitating the delegation’s participation.

“On behalf of our delegation, made up of five members of the caucus on Disability and our deputy clerk, I sincerely thank the Rt. Hon. Speaker of Parliament, Alban S.K. Bagbin, for making it possible,” he added.

According to him, the conference provided an opportunity for participating countries to assess progress made in disability inclusion and recommit themselves to ensuring equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The Deputy Minister revealed that he was particularly encouraged by Ghana’s presentation at the conference, which highlighted several interventions aimed at improving the welfare of persons with disabilities.

“I was really encouraged by Ghana’s presentation, which highlighted key initiatives including the proposed Persons with Disabilities Bill, increased support through the District Assemblies Common Fund, free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, and expanded social protection programmes,” he stated.

Dr. Apaak further emphasized that while progress has been made, more work remains to be done to address the challenges facing persons with disabilities and ensure their full participation in national development.