The Centre for Research and Development Alternatives (CREDA) is calling for urgent government action to remove structural and institutional barriers that continue to limit access to education and healthcare for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana.
The appeal was made at a public service improvement dialogue in Tamale, where CREDA, with support from the STAR Ghana Foundation, presented findings from a citizen-led monitoring exercise conducted across eight districts in the Northern Region.
The assessment covered Tamale, Yendi, Savelugu, Karaga, Gushegu, Kumbungu, Saboba and Nanumba South, focusing on how schools and health facilities serve persons with disabilities.
Presenting the findings, CREDA Programmes Manager Abukari Iddrisu said the study examined infrastructure accessibility, availability of inclusive resources, staff capacity, and the level of social inclusion within public institutions.
He revealed that while some progress has been made in inclusive education training, major gaps remain in physical infrastructure and learning support systems.
According to the report, about 60 per cent of schools assessed had no ramps, while over 90 per cent lacked adjustable furniture for learners with disabilities. It also found that 85 per cent of schools lacked proper communication systems to support learners with hearing or speech impairments.
Mr. Iddrisu further noted that teacher capacity was also constrained, with many educators unable to fully implement inclusive education due to limited teaching resources.
The report warned that these gaps are contributing to low enrolment and poor progression rates for PWDs beyond the primary level.
CREDA recommended stricter enforcement of disability-access regulations, increased investment in inclusive infrastructure, and stronger collaboration between government agencies, NGOs, and development partners.
On healthcare, the organisation urged the provision of disability-friendly facilities, regular staff training—including sign language—and improved feedback mechanisms to ensure better service delivery.
Stakeholders at the dialogue, including the STAR Ghana Foundation and the Ghana Education Service, welcomed the findings and pledged support for efforts to improve inclusivity in public services.
