By Alex Ababio
Introduction:
In a small community in Nyinahini in the Atwima Mponua in the Ashanti region of Ghana, I met Ama, a 23-year old woman who has been blind since birth. As the sun set on her quiet village, Ama shared her story, unraveling the heart-wrenching realities faced by persons with disabilities in Ghana. Her voice quivered with resilience and frustration, epitomizing the countless individuals who bear the weight of discrimination and shattered dreams.
Ama recounted her personal experiences, saying, “Growing up, I faced numerous obstacles due to my disability. The local school lacked the necessary resources and accommodations to support blind students like myself. I was denied equal educational opportunities, leaving me feeling invisible and left behind.”
Investigation into Neglect and Discrimination:
Ama’s personal account sheds light on the neglect experienced by persons with disabilities in Ghana, particularly women who are often overlooked, burdened with the responsibility of caring for themselves and their families without adequate support from the state. This investigation delves into the response of Ghana to the needs of people living with disabilities and uncovers the systemic discrimination and lack of inclusivity prevalent in the country.
The Harsh Reality:
Ama’s story serves as a poignant example of the immense hurdles persons with disabilities face in Ghana: limited access to education, employment, healthcare, and essential public services. Startling statistics from the Ghana Statistical Service reveal that 8 out of 10 children with disabilities are denied access to education, trapping them in a cycle of exclusion and marginalization while their able-bodied peers forge ahead. These systemic issues paint a bleak picture, suffocating the aspirations of individuals like Ama under a heavy cloak of societal indifference.
Investigative Exposé on Discriminatory Practices:
Discrimination against persons with disabilities manifests in various insidious forms throughout Ghana. Through an investigative lens, it becomes apparent that discriminatory practices perpetuate exclusion and unemployment. In job interviews, individuals with disabilities are often dismissed solely based on their impairments, disregarding their abilities and potential. Furthermore, public infrastructure and transportation systems remain woefully inaccessible, stripping persons with disabilities of their mobility and independence. These injustices faced by individuals like Ama are unrelenting and demand immediate attention.
At Mamponteng in the Kwabre West of Ashanti region , i spoke to Yaa Dufie, a 37-Year-Old Physically Challenged:
Yaa Dufie, a resilient 37-year-old woman living with a physical disability, shares her personal story, shedding light on the plights she has faced in Ghana. Despite her determination and eagerness to contribute to society, Yaa has been confronted with numerous barriers. She recounts her struggles in accessing education, employment, and healthcare due to limited provisions and societal prejudice. Yaa’s experiences just like Ama’s life story illustrate the dire need for comprehensive reforms to ensure equal rights and opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Akua Felicia’s a native of Krofrom in Atwima Kwanwoma in the Ashanti region also shares some of the experience of discrimination she had gone through with me :
Akua Felicia, a 22-year-old woman living with a disability, reveals her heart-wrenching encounter with discrimination. Applying for a job at a reputable company, she possessed the necessary qualifications but was overlooked solely based on her visual impairment. Akua shares her frustration at being denied the chance to contribute to society and fulfill her potential. Her story highlights the urgent need for transformative change at both institutional and societal levels to combat discriminatory practices against persons with disabilities.
Another person i encountered as part of my investigations was Joyce, a 25-Year-Old Advocate for Disability Rights:
In an interview with Joyce at Nhyieso a suburb in Kumasi , a passionate advocate for disability rights, she emphasizes the systematic discrimination faced by persons with disabilities in Ghana. Joyce emphasizes the hindrances faced by these individuals in economic, social, and political spheres due to societal barriers. She calls for comprehensive reforms to ensure equal rights and opportunities for all.
Joyce’s passionate plea for comprehensive reforms echoes the sentiments of many disability rights advocates in Ghana. She emphasizes the urgent need to address the systemic barriers that hinder the economic, social, and political participation of persons with disabilities. Joyce advocates for the implementation of inclusive policies, legislation, and programs that guarantee equal rights and opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their disabilities.
She stresses the importance of breaking down societal barriers and challenging prevailing stigmas and stereotypes surrounding disability. Joyce believes that promoting awareness and understanding within communities is crucial to fostering a more inclusive society. By educating the public about the rights and capabilities of persons with disabilities, she hopes to eradicate discriminatory attitudes and create an environment that values and supports their full participation.
Additionally, Joyce calls for increased accessibility across various sectors. She highlights the need for accessible infrastructure, transportation, and communication systems to ensure that persons with disabilities can navigate their communities independently and engage in daily activities with ease. “By removing physical barriers and providing reasonable accommodations, Ghana can foster a truly inclusive society where everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.” , She stressed
Furthermore, Joyce advocates for the provision of comprehensive support services, including healthcare, education, vocational training, and employment opportunities. She emphasizes the importance of tailored support systems that cater to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities, enabling them to develop their skills, pursue their aspirations, and contribute meaningfully to society.
In her call for comprehensive reforms, Joyce emphasizes that “the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities should be at the forefront of Ghana’s agenda.”
She encourages collaboration between government institutions, disability organizations, and civil society to develop and implement inclusive policies that prioritize the needs and aspirations of individuals with disabilities.
Ultimately, Joyce envisions a Ghana where persons with disabilities are valued, empowered, and given equal opportunities to realize their potential. She firmly believes that by addressing the systemic discrimination and promoting inclusive practices, Ghana can create a more equitable and just society for all its citizens, regardless of their abilities.
The Plight of Persons with Disabilities in Ghana
Blind and Abandoned: Gifty’s Story of Struggle and Isolation
Gifty, a 45-year-old blind woman with three children, shares her heart-wrenching journey through the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in Ghana. With sadness in her voice, she recalls, “Growing up blind in Ghana was incredibly difficult. The barriers were overwhelming. I faced discrimination, lack of access to health services, and financial constraints that made it nearly impossible to receive the care I needed. I felt abandoned and forgotten by society.”
Gifty’s story sheds light on the structural and systemic barriers that hinder the access to health services for persons with disabilities. In an interview, she reveals the hardships she faced, such as the inability to afford transportation to health facilities and the lack of specialized services tailored to her needs. Gifty, like many others in similar situations, experienced poverty indicators that were far worse compared to those without disabilities.
I spoke to Rev. Dr. Mrs. Comfort Asare, the Director of the Social Welfare Department in Ghana, and acknowledged the deep-rooted challenges faced by persons with disabilities. In an interview, she emphasizes the need to address societal attitudes, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient support systems to create an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their abilities, can thrive.
Several research studies have identified numerous barriers that impede the access of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to health services. These barriers include physical obstacles, out-of-pocket costs, financial disincentives for healthcare providers, organizational gatekeeping, and negative attitudes towards disability. Moreover, attitudinal, physical, and system-level barriers such as limited access to information, reduced communication between clinicians and patients, discrimination, lack of reasonable accommodations, and rationing of medical resources have further exacerbated the challenges faced by PWDs in accessing healthcare, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.
These studies aim to investigate the experiences of PWDs in Ghana regarding their access to health services, both before and during the pandemic, while considering the existing disability legislation and policies in place.
In interviews conducted with PWDs, they revealed a range of structural and system barriers that hindered their access to health services. These barriers included financial constraints preventing them from affording healthcare, difficulties in accessing transportation, lack of availability of specialized services, and inaccessible healthcare facilities. Additionally, PWDs faced higher poverty indicators compared to their non-disabled counterparts, further exacerbating their challenges.
Research conducted in the community of Pantang in Accra highlighted the lack of support from family members for disabled relatives. Many patients were abandoned by their families, subjected to physical abuse, harassment, and stigmatization. In some cases, individuals with mental illnesses who were parents were denied access to their children due to concerns that they might pose a danger to them. Similar findings were reported in a study focused on three major psychiatric hospitals in Ghana, which revealed discrimination and stigmatization of mental health patients by their own families. Family members expressed discomfort living with individuals with mental illnesses or a history of mental disorders.
The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) emphasizes the importance of legislative measures to protect individuals with disabilities, particularly within the family unit. However, despite the existence of legislative frameworks, persons with disabilities in Ghana continue to face barriers when it comes to participating in social and economic activities. This suggests that families have failed to fulfill their responsibilities in supporting their disabled members in overcoming societal barriers.
In the Ghanaian context, the family system, which includes both nuclear and extended family members, plays a crucial role. Even after marriage, individuals maintain close relations and have responsibilities towards their extended family. These family systems imply a sense of mutual support, with relatives expected to contribute during times of challenges. However, individuals with disabilities seem to be excluded from this mutual support due to negative cultural interpretations of disabilities. In Ghanaian society, disabilities are often viewed as punishments from the gods, leading many families to neglect the development and well-being of their disabled members, leaving them dependent on society at large.
Consequently, the absence of family support hinders the potential growth of persons with disabilities and denies them the opportunity to engage in productive activities that could improve their living conditions. This lack of support has significant implications for their overall well-being and societal participation.
Families’ Betrayal: Mansa’s Struggle for Acceptance
In the community of Pantang in Accra, Mansa, a 36-year-old blind woman, shares her harrowing experience of how her family treated her. Mansa recounts, “My family abandoned me when they learned about my disability. They labeled me as a witch, accused me of causing my own predicament, and denied me access to my own children, fearing I would harm them. I felt ostracized and rejected by those who were supposed to support and protect me.”
Research conducted in Ghana highlights the troubling reality faced by persons with disabilities within their families. Negative cultural interpretations of disabilities and stereotyped views lead to the abandonment and neglect of individuals with impairments. Disabled family members are often seen as a punishment from the gods, resulting in their exclusion from development opportunities and reliance on society for their well-being.
Matthew’s Journey: Navigating a World of Darkness
Matthew, a 55-year-old blind man, shares his personal story of resilience and determination in the face of adversity. He recounts, “Losing my sight was a life-altering experience. It felt like being thrust into a world of darkness. However, with time, I learned to adapt and find my own way. I faced numerous challenges, from inaccessible environments to limited opportunities for education and employment. But I refused to let my disability define me.”
Matthew’s story sheds light on the attitudinal, physical, and system-level barriers faced by persons with disabilities in Ghana. He highlights the lack of access to information, reduced communication with healthcare providers, discrimination, and the rationing of medical goods, which worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, Matthew’s determination allowed him to break free from the shackles of societal limitations and strive for a better future.
These personal stories and experiences expose the dire circumstances faced by persons with disabilities in Ghana. The structural and system barriers, coupled with societal attitudes and family abandonment, create a hostile environment where individuals with disabilities struggle to access essential services, education, and employment opportunities. As investigations delve deeper into these issues, it becomes increasingly evident that comprehensive reforms are urgently needed to ensure equal rights, dismantle barriers, and foster a truly inclusive society for all Ghanaians, regardless of their abilities.
Additional Beliefs on the Causes of Disability in Sub-Saharan Africa :
In sub-Saharan African countries, particularly Ghana, there are traditional beliefs about the causes of disability. These beliefs attribute disability to three main factors: “Others,” “Oneself,” and “Fate, nature, or the will of God.” While variations in narratives exist, some resonate throughout sub-Saharan Africa. The explanatory source of “Others” may attribute a child’s condition to an external force, such as a curse or evil spirits.
Perspective of a Community Leader in Manso, in the Ashanti Region :
According to a community leader in Manso in the Ashanti Region, Kwaku Frimpong Manu their perspective on disability aligns with the traditional beliefs prevalent in Ghana. The leader states, “Disability is widely considered, even by persons with mental disabilities themselves, as being caused by evil spirits or demons. It is believed that casting out evil spirits through fasting in prayer camps can facilitate the cure.” The leader emphasizes that disabled individuals who lack power, money, or education face additional challenges in claiming their rights and making meaningful claims.
Response of Civil Groups to the Plight and Stigma of Disabled Individuals in Ghana :
Civil groups in Ghana are actively responding to the plight and stigma faced by disabled individuals. Reports and studies highlight that mental illness, including disability, is often attributed to supernatural forces in Ghana. These forces include witchcraft, curses, punishment from gods, anger of ancestral spirits, and other misperceptions. Such beliefs not only lead to stigma but also demonize children with disabilities. To address this, civil groups are working to raise awareness, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for the rights and inclusion of disabled individuals in Ghana.
As an integral part of the Ghana Somubi Dwumadie initiative (Ghana Participation Programme), 45 ambassadors of inclusion have been enlisted to address adverse attitudes, discrimination, and social stigma faced by individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions in Ghana.
Findings from a formative study conducted by Ghana Somubi Dwumadie in November 2020 reveal the pervasive nature of negative attitudes, discrimination, and stigma associated with disabilities, including mental health conditions, within Ghana. These factors present significant obstacles in achieving equal access to education, healthcare, and social opportunities.
Within Ghana, limited efforts are being made to combat the stigmatization and discrimination encountered by individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions. Ghana Somubi Dwumadie, launched in January 2020, is a four-year disability program primarily focused on mental health. Its mission is to address and overcome stigma and discrimination. The program receives funding from UK aid and is managed by a consortium led by Options, including consortium members Basic Needs Ghana, King’s College London, Sightsavers, and Tropical Health.
Ghana Somubi Dwumadie concentrates on four key areas:
Advocating for stronger policies and systems that uphold the rights of individuals with disabilities, including those with mental health disabilities.
Expanding the availability of high-quality and accessible mental health services.
Reducing stigma and discrimination.
Generating evidence to inform policy and practice regarding the effectiveness of programs and interventions targeting disabilities and mental health.
In December 2021, the program initiated a call for proposals, inviting civil society organizations, organizations representing individuals with disabilities (OPDs), and self-help groups (whose members possess firsthand experience with specific life or health issues) to apply for funding to conduct activities focused on social behavior change (SBC).
According to Joseph Mensah, Sightsavers’ technical advisor for civil society organization grants and social movement, SBC involves influencing people to adopt healthy and inclusive behaviors and fostering an environment that supports their implementation. This approach can have lasting positive impacts on a wide range of health areas. By promoting social inclusion and challenging harmful norms and negative stereotypes, SBC plays a crucial role in reducing stigma.
Government and Ministry of Social Protection’s Intervention :
The government and the Ministry of Social Protection in Ghana have implemented various interventions and programs to support and improve the well-being of disabled individuals. These initiatives include the National Community Based Rehabilitation Program (CBR), which provides home-based rehabilitation services. Additionally, the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) offers cash transfers and agricultural support to disabled individuals living in poverty. The National Health Insurance Scheme provides free healthcare access. The Disability Fund, established in 2005, aims to reduce poverty among disabled individuals, support income-generating activities, and promote advocacy for disability rights.
Despite these interventions people living with disability in Ghana are marginalized and discriminated against.
Marginalization of Disabled People and Weaknesses in Legal and Policy Structures :
Disabled people in Ghana constitute a significant oppressed group, with approximately 3% of the population being disabled. Traditional and religious beliefs, along with stereotypes, contribute to the marginalization, social stigma, exclusion, and discrimination faced by disabled individuals. The legal and regulatory structures in Ghana, although designed to protect their rights, exhibit weaknesses. The laws largely define disability from a biomedical perspective, reinforcing the individual model of disability. Implementation and enforcement of laws, such as the Persons with Disability Act, face challenges, resulting in limited access to education, employment, healthcare, and social participation for disabled individuals. Efforts to improve training, employment opportunities, and economic empowerment for disabled individuals are insufficient.
Legal and Policy Environment and its Weaknesses :
Ghana has legal and constitutional provisions aimed at protecting the rights of disabled individuals, but there are weaknesses in the enforcement and implementation of these laws. The legal and regulatory structures in Ghana largely define disability from a biomedical perspective, focusing on physical, mental, or sensory impairments. This narrow definition fails to consider cultural beliefs and attitudes that contribute to disability and perpetuate social exclusion and discrimination.
The Persons with Disability Act of 2006 (Act 715) is a key legislation that provides rights and protections for disabled individuals in Ghana. It guarantees unrestricted access to public places and buildings, free healthcare, employment opportunities, education, and transportation. However, there are limitations within the Act that undermine its effectiveness. For example, the law allows for a 10-year moratorium for making public buildings accessible to disabled people, which has not been fully implemented. This delay hampers the inclusion of disabled individuals in various aspects of society.
Furthermore, certain provisions in the Act, such as offering alternative livelihood options and training for disabled individuals who are unable to participate in mainstream social life, perpetuate their marginalization. These provisions can inadvertently reinforce the individual model of disability and hinder the integration of disabled people into society. The lack of job training and employment opportunities provided by the state further exacerbates the economic challenges faced by disabled individuals, forcing some to resort to begging for a living.
The enforcement of existing laws in Ghana often relies on the discretion of officials rather than strict adherence to legal provisions. This discretionary approach may result in inconsistent support and assistance for disabled individuals, leaving them dependent on the goodwill of individuals in positions of power.
Despite these weaknesses, Ghana has shown commitment at the international level by signing and ratifying the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The country has also implemented programs and interventions to support the well-being and dignity of disabled individuals. Initiatives such as the National Community-Based Rehabilitation Program (CBR) provide home-based rehabilitation services, and the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) program offers cash transfers and agricultural support to disabled individuals living in poverty. Additionally, the establishment of the Disability Fund aims to reduce poverty among disabled individuals and empower them through economic opportunities.
However, challenges persist in the implementation of these programs, including delays in fund disbursement and limited awareness among disabled individuals regarding the existence of support mechanisms.
To effectively address the rights and inclusion of disabled individuals in Ghana, it is crucial to strengthen the enforcement and implementation of existing laws. This requires raising awareness, providing adequate resources, and promoting a shift in societal attitudes towards disability. Furthermore, active collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and disabled persons’ associations is essential to ensure meaningful participation and the empowerment of disabled individuals in decision-making processes.
Furthermore, active collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and disabled persons’ associations is essential to ensure meaningful participation and the empowerment of disabled individuals in decision-making processes.
Government agencies play a pivotal role in implementing policies and programs related to disability rights and inclusion. They should engage in dialogue and consultation with disabled persons’ associations and civil society organizations to understand the specific needs and challenges faced by disabled individuals. This collaboration can lead to the development of more effective policies and strategies that address the diverse needs of disabled people.
Civil society organizations, including disability-focused non-governmental organizations (NGOs), have a critical role in advocating for the rights and well-being of disabled individuals. They can provide valuable expertise, support, and resources to government agencies in implementing inclusive policies. These organizations often have direct connections with disabled individuals and can amplify their voices, ensuring that their perspectives and concerns are taken into account in decision-making processes.
Disabled persons’ associations are essential stakeholders in shaping policies that affect their lives. These associations represent the collective interests and aspirations of disabled individuals and can provide valuable insights into the barriers they face and the solutions needed to address them. Meaningful participation of disabled persons’ associations in decision-making processes ensures that policies are inclusive and reflect the diverse experiences and needs of disabled people.
Collaboration among these stakeholders can take various forms, such as joint planning and implementation of programs, sharing of resources and knowledge, and regular communication channels to discuss progress and challenges. It is crucial to create inclusive spaces where disabled individuals can actively participate in decision-making processes, such as through representation on advisory committees, consultation forums, and policy-making bodies. This participation should extend beyond tokenism and involve genuine engagement and involvement in all stages of the decision-making process.
Capacity-building initiatives should be prioritized to strengthen the advocacy skills and knowledge of disabled persons’ associations and civil society organizations. These initiatives can empower them to effectively engage with government agencies, raise awareness about disability rights, and influence policy development and implementation.
Additionally, ensuring the representation of disabled individuals in government positions and bodies responsible for disability-related issues is crucial. Having disabled people in decision-making roles can bring firsthand perspectives and lived experiences to the table, leading to more inclusive policies and practices.
By fostering active collaboration between government agencies, civil society organizations, and disabled persons’ associations, Ghana can make significant strides in promoting the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of disabled individuals. This collaborative approach can help bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation, resulting in tangible improvements in the lives of disabled people and the realization of their rights.
This collaborative approach can help bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation, resulting in tangible improvements in the lives of disabled people and the realization of their rights.
Indeed, the collaborative approach between government agencies, civil society organizations, and disabled persons’ associations can bridge the gap between policy formulation and implementation, leading to tangible improvements in the lives of disabled people and the realization of their rights in Ghana.
Here are some key ways in which this collaborative approach can bring about positive change:
Effective policy implementation: By working together, these stakeholders can ensure that policies and legislation related to disability rights are effectively implemented on the ground. Government agencies can provide the necessary resources and support, civil society organizations can monitor and advocate for the implementation, and disabled persons’ associations can provide feedback and guidance based on their lived experiences.
Capacity building and awareness: Collaboration allows for the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and best practices among different stakeholders. Government agencies can provide training and capacity-building initiatives for civil society organizations and disabled persons’ associations, empowering them to effectively advocate for disability rights. This collaboration also helps raise awareness among the general public about the rights and needs of disabled individuals.
Access to services and support: Collaborative efforts can lead to the development of inclusive services and support systems that meet the specific needs of disabled individuals. Government agencies can work closely with civil society organizations and disabled persons’ associations to identify gaps in existing services and develop innovative solutions to address them. This can include access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, assistive technologies, and social support networks.
Data collection and monitoring: Collaboration enables the collection of accurate and comprehensive data on disability-related issues. Government agencies can collaborate with civil society organizations and disabled persons’ associations to conduct research, surveys, and assessments to gather data on the challenges faced by disabled individuals and the impact of policies and programs. This data can inform evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation.
Advocacy and policy influence: By working together, these stakeholders can have a stronger collective voice in advocating for the rights and needs of disabled individuals. Civil society organizations and disabled persons’ associations can provide valuable input and perspectives in policy discussions, ensuring that the voices of disabled individuals are heard and their rights are protected.
Overall, the collaborative approach between government agencies, civil society organizations, and disabled persons’ associations is crucial for bridging the gap between policy formulation and implementation. It helps create a coordinated and holistic response to disability rights issues, leading to tangible improvements in the lives of disabled people and the realization of their rights in Ghana.
Recommendations for Change:
To truly address the formidable challenges faced by persons with disabilities, Ghana must embrace comprehensive policy changes. Strengthening anti-discrimination laws and ensuring the robust enforcement of accessibility standards in public spaces are essential steps toward dismantling the barriers that imprison these individuals. Adequate funding for inclusive education programs and vocational training is imperative, guaranteeing equal access to quality education and the acquisition of valuable skills. Collaborative partnerships between government agencies
