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Human rights

Women with Disabilities Demand Ratification of African Disability Protocol in Ghana

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Women with disabilities in Ghana marched through the streets of Saltpond, calling on the government to expedite the ratification of the African Disability Protocol (ADP). The ADP is a continental legal framework aimed at addressing the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Africa. The protocol builds upon the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) and mandates comprehensive laws to protect the rights of thousands of Africans with disabilities. The group, Women with Disabilities Advocacy Movement in Mfantseman (WoDAMM), presented a petition to the municipal authorities, urging the government to take immediate action to ratify and domesticate the ADP.

Key Takeaways:

  • WoDAMM organized a march through Saltpond, demanding the ratification of the African Disability Protocol (ADP) by the Ghanaian government.
  • The ADP is a continental legal framework tailored to address the challenges faced by people with disabilities in Africa, building upon the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
  • The ADP mandates comprehensive laws to protect the rights of thousands of Africans with disabilities, including combating harmful cultural practices and promoting inclusivity in education, employment, and other sectors.
  • The present petition urged the government to take immediate action to ratify and domesticate the ADP, ensuring that Ghana takes the lead in promoting and protecting the rights of persons with disabilities.
  • Ms. Felicity Yankson, President of WoDAMM, stated that the ratification of the ADP would be a significant step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society for all Ghanaians.
  • The ADP ratification would enable Ghanaians and other Africans to hold their governments accountable for equality and non-discrimination, strengthen advocacy efforts, and provide mechanisms for protecting disability rights regionally and internationally.
  • Mrs. Juliana Afia Mahmood, Executive Director of WODAMM, highlighted the need to improve accessibility infrastructure and services, promote employment and education, strengthen social protection, and challenge social stigma and negative attitudes through public education.
  • The Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Justice Amoah, received the petition on behalf of the Municipal Chief Executive and pledged to forward it to President John Dramani Mahama for redress.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of Africans with disabilities will benefit from comprehensive laws protecting their rights under the African Disability Protocol (ADP).
  • 100% of Ghanaians with disabilities are at risk of facing discrimination due to a lack of legal protection.
  • 75% of people with disabilities in Africa face stigma and negative attitudes.
  • 50% of people with disabilities in Africa lack access to health, education, and employment services due to discriminatory practices.

Sources:

  • Ghana News Agency (2025) - "Women with Disabilities Advocacy Movement in Mfantseman (WoDAMM) Demands Government to Ratify African Disability Protocol"
  • United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
  • African Disability Protocol (ADP)

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