Parliament inaugurates Disability Caucus

Ghana’s Speaker of  Parliament, Rt. Hon.  Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, has  officially inaugurated the Parliamentary Caucus on Disability. 

This milestone marks the culmination of years of persistent advocacy by the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD), supported by Sightsavers and Ghana Somubi Dwumadie.

The 33-member caucus, chaired by the Member of Parliament (MP)  for Builsa South, Hon. Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, is poised to champion the cause of persons with disabilities within Parliament.

Their primary goals include ensuring all legislation enacted by the House is disability-inclusive and guaranteeing accessibility to Parliament for individuals with disabilities. Additionally, the caucus is expected to advocate for expedited action on the re-enactment of the Disability Act, 715, and the ratification of the African Disability Protocol.

Mr Bagbin  who has personally experienced the lives of people with disabilities throughout his life, noted  the significant losses Ghana incurs by neglecting the involvement of this demographic in its development agenda.

He underscored that persons with disabilities represent a vast pool of human resources, capable of contributing significantly to national progress if empowered and provided with opportunities.

“I can attest, based on my work with persons with disabilities from childhood, that we are overlooking a crucial resource for national development,” he declared.

“We need, and I mean it, to refocus and unearth the untapped talents and potentials that we have marginalized”, he added.

He  highlighted his commitment to inclusion by recounting his role in securing permanent employment for sign language interpreters in Parliament. Previously, these interpreters served as volunteers until his tenure as Speaker.

“In recent years, I have donated over one hundred laptops to students with disabilities across the country,” he added.

He further announced the commissioning of new technology to make Parliament and its proceedings accessible to the visually impaired. He urged Ghanaians to support Parliament’s efforts towards a fair and just society for all, including individuals with disabilities, as mandated by the nation’s constitution.

The Caucus Chair, Hon.  Dr Clement Apaak, on his part  cautioned the public against viewing the promotion of disability rights and inclusion as a favour to others.

He emphasised that such efforts benefit everyone, as anyone could face disability at any point in their lives. He extended an open invitation to other Parliamentarians to join the caucus and fight for the vulnerable.

Mrs. Gertrude Fofoame, Chair of the United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and Mr. Joseph Atsu Humandzi, Chair of the GFD, spoke on behalf of the disability community, commending Parliament and specifically the Speaker for this historic establishment. They urged the caucus to work tirelessly to improve the well-being of persons with disabilities in Ghana.

Source: Today.com.gh