Kufuor, Supreme Court Justice call for legal enforcement, orientation towards PWDs

Former President John Agyekum Kufuor has called for the swift enforcement of the law on building accessibility for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), 18 years after its enactment.

He emphasized the need for the government to take decisive action to ensure the law becomes effective, granting PWDs equal opportunities to lead lives with dignity.

Speaking at an event organized by the John A. Kufuor (JAK) Foundation in partnership with the Right of Youth and Disability International, a non-governmental organization, President Kufuor underscored the importance of centering humanity in nation-building to create an inclusive society, noting that anyone could potentially face disability.

“If someone had predicted I would be in a wheelchair ten years ago, many would have doubted it, but that is my reality today. That’s why my government prioritized passing the PWDs Act,” he shared.

He also called for greater efforts to eradicate cultural biases and outdated practices that hinder the advancement of PWDs, urging society to foster tolerance and embrace all individuals as essential members of the human race.

On his part, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Gabriel Scott Pwamang noted that while Ghana’s legal framework aligns with international standards, more needs to be done to shift societal attitudes toward disability and ensure the effective implementation of policies. 

He thus encouraged parents of children with disabilities to begin educational interventions early to promote lifelong inclusive learning and empowerment.

“Section 16 of the Disability Act guarantees compulsory, free education for children with disabilities, with legal consequences for non-compliance,” he noted.