The Network of Women with Disabilities, Africa has intensified pressure on the Government of Ghana to ratify the African Union, arguing that the move is long overdue to protect women and girls with disabilities from discrimination, violence and exclusion.
At a stakeholder engagement workshop in Accra, organised with Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organisation, advocates said existing legal frameworks in Ghana do not adequately address the unique challenges faced by women with disabilities. Co-Convener of NEWDA, Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, said the campaign seeks to unite government institutions, civil society groups, disability advocates and the media to accelerate ratification and ensure greater inclusion in national policymaking.
Senior lecturer at the University of Ghana, Augustina Naami, warned that women with disabilities continue to face higher unemployment, lower educational opportunities and increased exposure to gender-based violence. A representative from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the ratification process has reached cabinet level and is expected to move to Parliament soon for approval.
