National Day of PWDs: No Ghanaian should be left behind because of disability – Dr. Apaak

Chairman of Parliament’s Disability Caucus, Dr. Clement Apaak, has urged stakeholders to ensure no Ghanaian is excluded because of disability.

Making a commemorative statement on the floor of Parliament on Tuesday to mark the National Day of Persons with Disabilities, the Builsa South Lawmaker called for a stronger national commitment to creating an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights and realise their potential.

Speaking on this year’s theme, “From Act to Action: Finalizing Reforms and Enforcing Disability Rights Now,” he said achieving true inclusion requires collective action from government institutions, local assemblies, the private sector, development partners, and civil society organisations.

“Together, let us build a nation where inclusion is not an aspiration but a reality; where accessibility is not an exception but a standard; and where no Ghanaian is left behind because of disability,” he said.

Dr. Apaak noted that the occasion should serve as more than a ceremonial observance, describing it as an opportunity for the country to assess its progress and address longstanding barriers facing persons with disabilities.

“This occasion is not merely a day of commemoration. It is a national call to reflection, accountability, and action,” he told Parliament.

He said Ghana must move beyond policy declarations and legislative intentions to deliver tangible outcomes.

According to him, rights only become meaningful when they are protected, implemented, and experienced in the daily lives of citizens.

Dr. Apaak stated that more than two million Ghanaians live with one form of disability, according to the 2021 Population and Housing Census, adding that these citizens possess enormous talents and potential that are essential to national development.

However, he said many continue to face barriers in accessing education, healthcare, employment, transportation, information, public infrastructure and social protection services.

“These realities underscore the urgent need to strengthen implementation, enhance accountability, and accelerate reforms,” he said.

The Deputy Education Minister also stressed that disability inclusion should never be perceived as an act of charity.

“Disability inclusion must never be viewed as an act of charity or benevolence. It is fundamentally a matter of human rights, equality, and justice,” he said.

He further called on stakeholders to create accessible schools, workplaces, healthcare facilities and transportation systems, while ensuring disability considerations are integrated into every aspect of national planning and development.

Dr. Apaak said only a deliberate and sustained national effort would guarantee that persons with disabilities are fully included in the country’s social and economic progress.