gspd of the disability situation in ghana analysis.pdf · vi contextual analysis of the disability...

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CONTEXTUAL ANALYSIS OF THE DISABILITY SITUATION IN GHANA

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STRENGTHENING THE DISABILITY MOVEMENT INGHANA THROUGH ORGANIZATIONAL CAPACITY AND

ADVOCACY

CONTEXTUAL ANALYSISOF THE DISABILITYSITUATION INGHANA

GFDGNAD

GAB

GSPD

DECEMBER

2008

JMK RESEARCH

CONSULTING

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PROJECT PARTNERS

Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD)The Disabled People Organizations Denmark (DPOD)The Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD)Danish Association of the Physically Disabled (DAD)The Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB)The Danish Association of the Blind (DAB)

CONTACT DETAILS:

Mr. Poul Jorgensen (Project Advisor)

P.o. Box AC40 Accra, Ghana

Tele: +233(21)240 530Fax +233(21) 678 827

REPORT PREPARED BY:

Mensah Osman, Williams Jody,Atta-Ankomah Richmond & Mjomba Mboje

JMK Research ConsultingPMB L44, Legon, Accra, GhanaTele: +233 (21) 418 404Fax +233(21)408 620E-mail: [email protected]: www.jmkconsultinggroup.org

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Executive Summary

Introduction

The report undertakes a contextual analysis of the disability situation in Ghana. It reviews

the social, political, economic, and the cultural context. The report further presents a

review of the legal, technological and the media context of the disability situation. The

report identifies in each context, the opportunities and barriers for influencing polices and

developing advocacy strategies.

Approach and methodology

The report partially adopts the SWOT approach in carrying out the contextual review.

[SWOT is the acronym for Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats]. In this

respect, the report concentrates on the opportunities and threats in the external

environment of the disability movement. A mix of desk review and field interview was

employed in conducting the study. Key informants in the relevant Ministries, Departments

and Agencies (MDAs), traditional rulers, employers, and leaders of organizations of persons

with disabilities (OPWDs) as well as 87 persons with disabilities from three pilot districts

were selected for interview. The report cites the most informative cases to support the

narratives. Compelling testimonies of some PWDs are reported. Some quantitative

information from the field interview is used to support certain propositions.

Key findings

The Economic Context

The poverty situation of persons with disability in Ghana is much severe compared to non

disabled persons. Many of the informant PWDs actually languishes in extreme poverty with

high degree of unemployment and under employment. PWDs reported facing discrimination

in the job market. Access to credit remains a challenge to many PWDs. The Labour Act 2003

and Disability Act 2006 however have provisions that seek to address some of the issues that

contribute to extreme poverty among PWDs. The Labour Act and its accompanied Labour

Regulation 2007 call for the setting up of disablement unit in each district to assist PWDs who

need employment. Special incentives have also been provided under the Law for employers

who employ PWD and persons with disabilities engaged in business venture or enterprise. The

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disablement unit and the modalities for PWDs to access these incentives have not been

established. PWDs are also unable to access the 2 % Common Fund allocation.

The Cultural Context

Disability in Ghana has been linked to cultural beliefs and myths that dehumanize affected

persons. This has affected the self esteem of PWDs and limited their opportunities for social

interaction. Women with disabilities bear the greatest burden of cultural discrimination

particularly in the area of marriage. Many people seem to frown on marriage with PWDs

because of their beliefs and myths about disability. As a result, people are rarely encouraged by

their family members, especially parents, to marry PWDs. Although traditional leaders uphold

stability in localities, their mode of selection and the customs associated with the institution

was identified as an instrument for social discrimination against PWDs. The 1992 Constitution

(Article 272) however enjoins the National House of Chiefs to “undertake an evaluation of

traditional customs and usages with a view to eliminating those customs and usages that are

outmoded and socially harmful”.

The Social Context

The daily social life of PWDs was found to be a pattern of exclusion at the family, community

and national level. About two-thirds of informants hailed from low income families. In

situations where resource is a constraint at the household level, opportunities are given to non-

disabled siblings to the disadvantage of PWDs. At the community level, PWDs face

discrimination both at school and in the larger community. The problem of persons with

disabilities has been compounded by weak institutional support mechanisms. The existing

health policy and the NHIS do not cater for the particular health care needs of PWDs. The

Disability Act 2006 contains provisions that provide PWDs access to healthcare, but this

provision is limited to persons with severe disabilities, implying that unemployed PWDs

whose disability do not fall under the severe category cannot access free health care. In the area

of education, only 6 % of PWDs have access to education in Ghana. This explains the level of

poverty among PWDs in Ghana. Although education is supposed to be free for PWDs, it was

revealed that PWDs finds it difficult paying for the user fees which are charged by the various

schools. Access to the built environment poses a problem to PWDs despite provision in the

disability Act that requires all new public buildings and places to be made friendly to PWDs.

Rehabilitation programmes for PWDs was also found to be inadequate.

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The Political Context

Despite provisions in the fourth Republican Constitution (Chapter 5) that grants equal rights

of participation to every citizen, participation among PWDs in politics, governance, and civil

society groups outside the disability movement was found to be very low. Appointment of

PWDs to high profile and leadership positions in Ghana is also low. There are also no sections

or units of government departments dedicated fully to the disability agenda. The current

decentralization programme of Ghana is premised on the principle of participatory democracy;

however, the participation of PWDs in the district level political administration is limited.

There however has been some significant progress in recent years regarding the participation of

PWDs in the electoral process. The involvement of OPWDs on issues of national interest is

also minimal. Organizations of Persons with disabilities appear pre-occupied only with issues

directly affecting PWDs and not on other national issues, which on hindsight appear distant

but upon a critical look, affect PWDs even greater than non-disabled person.

The Legal Context

The 1992 Constitution, the Labour Act 2003 and Persons with Disability Act 2006 makes

significant provisions for PWDs to access education, healthcare, employment, and decent social

life. The disability Act in particular gives a great deal of power to PWDs, civil society groups

and Ghanaians in general, to engage the government and other duty-bearers in the law to act

accordingly. The Disability Act calls for the establishment of the National Council on

Disability. The Council is tasked to propose and evolve policies and strategies to ensure full

and equal participation of PWDs in national development. There are four disabled persons out

of the 13 member Council, which has been formed but is yet to be inaugurated by the

Government. PWDs stand to benefit greatly if the council undertakes its mandate efficiently.

The UN Convention on the right of Persons with disabilities (CRPD) has been adopted by

Ghana but has not been ratified by Parliament. The legislative instrument that is needed to

operationalize certain aspect of the disability Act has not been developed after two years of

passage of the disability Act. The non implementation of the provisions in the policies and

legislations has contributed immensely to the present pattern of poverty, exclusion and

vulnerability among PWDs.

Technological Context

Information, communication and assistive device, can offer PWDs new possibilities to

achieve independent living and participation in social and economic activities but PWDs

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access to ICT is low. The deaf/hearing impaired hardly gets access to public information as

both national and private information and communication service providers cut them out.

The National Media Commission (NMC) does not oblige television stations to provide a

sign language inset or subtitles in all newscast programs and programs of national

significance. Many advertisement and public education on TV do not provide for the

information needs of the deaf. Many newspapers, books and educative material are not

presented in the format that is accessible to the blind. The neglect of PWDs in the emerging

information age has further excluded them from mainstream society.

The Media Context

The media does not have adequate information on PWDs nor does it face any direct or

indirect pressure from any recognized body to cover disability issues. The coverage of

disability issues in the print media for example was found to be relatively low. This is

collaborated by lack of National Media Policy’s feature on disability issues. Where there is a

blanket use of the term ‘vulnerable’ or ‘disadvantaged’ to denote PWDs, media houses

could hide behind this provision and say they have covered “vulnerability issues”. The

report found that media houses concur to the fact that disability issues do not get adequate

coverage. This offers both an opportunity (i.e. they are aware and this can be used as an

entry point) as well as a challenge (they know yet they seem unable to do anything about

it!). It is also a challenge that majority of the media personnel are stuck in the ‘Charity

Model’ since they would present PWDs as people who need assistance. The NMC is central

to any effort to addressing these imbalances as it has a constitutional mandate. OPWDs

could influence the NMC to formulate media policies that are disabled friendly. Partner

organizations of OPWDs seem to enjoy relatively good media coverage whenever they

organize their activities. However, the challenge is that not all of these organizations’

activities cover disability issues. If they do, there would be no doubt that disability issues

would enjoy more coverage through these organizations.

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Table of Contents

Executive Summary________________________________________________________________ iv

Table of Contents_________________________________________________________________ viii

List of Figures _____________________________________________________________________ xii

List of Acronyms _________________________________________________________________ xiii

SECTION 1: BACKGROUND_______________________________________________________ 1

SECTION 2: METHODOLOGY _____________________________________________________ 3

2.1 Technical Approach ___________________________________________________________ 3

2.2 Method of Contextual Analysis _________________________________________________ 3

2.3 Method of Media Analysis _____________________________________________________ 4

2.3.1 Desk Review ______________________________________________________________ 4

2.3.2 Interview with Media Houses_________________________________________________ 5

2.3.3 Method for Content Analysis_________________________________________________ 5

SECTION 3: ECONOMIC CONTEXT _______________________________________________ 7

3.1 Introduction _______________________________________________________________ 7

3.2 Employment Situation and Living Standards in Ghana _________________________ 7

3.3 The Living Standards of PWDs in Ghana______________________________________ 8

3.4 PWDs and the Labour Market in Ghana _____________________________________ 10

3.4.1 Policy Environment ______________________________________________________ 10

3.4.2 Participation and Conditions in the Labour market ____________________________ 11

3.5.1 Commercial and Rural Banks_______________________________________________ 15

3.5.2 Public Microfinance Scheme _______________________________________________ 16

Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Scheme____________________________ 16

3.5.3 Private Microfinance Scheme _______________________________________________ 18

3.5.4 The District Assemblies Common Fund_______________________________________ 19

3.6 Government Economic Policy Interventions __________________________________ 22

3.6.1 Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP)_____________________________ 22

3.6.2 Millennium Development Authority Project ________________________________ 24

SECTION 4: THE CULTURAL CONTEXT _________________________________________ 26

4.1 Introduction ______________________________________________________________ 26

4.2 The Regulatory and Policy Environment ____________________________________ 26

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4.3 The Cultural Construction of Disability in Ghana ____________________________ 27

4.4 The Effect of Cultural Prejudice on Social life of PWDs __________________________ 30

4.5 The Effects of Cultural Prejudice on the Marriage Institution___________________ 31

4.6 Traditional Institutionalized Structures and PWDs ____________________________ 32

SECTION 5: THE SOCIAL CONTEXT _____________________________________________ 35

5.1 Introduction ________________________________________________________________ 35

5.2 The Social Reality of PWDs in Ghana – a Pattern of Social Exclusion ______________ 35

5.2.1 Exclusion at the Family Level _______________________________________________ 36

5.2.2 Exclusion at Community Level ______________________________________________ 37

5.2.3 Exclusion at the Institutional Level ___________________________________________ 37

5.3 The Health Situation _________________________________________________________ 38

5.3.1 Health Policy Context _____________________________________________________ 38

5.3.2 Healthcare Needs of PWDs _________________________________________________ 40

5.3.3 Access to Health Care ______________________________________________________ 41

5.3.4 Access to Health Facilities __________________________________________________ 42

5.4 The Educational Picture____________________________________________________ 43

5.4.1 Educational Policy Context ________________________________________________ 43

5.4.2 Access to Education_______________________________________________________ 46

5.5 Rehabilitation of PWDs ______________________________________________________ 50

5.6 The Physical and the Built Environment _____________________________________ 52

5.6.1 Access to Buildings _______________________________________________________ 52

5.6.2 Mobility and Assistive Devices______________________________________________ 53

5.6.3 Transport _______________________________________________________________ 55

5.6.4 Traffic and Pedestrian _____________________________________________________ 55

5.7 Sports and Persons with Disabilities _________________________________________ 57

SECTION 6: THE POLITICAL CONTEXT__________________________________________ 59

6.1 Introduction ______________________________________________________________ 59

6.2 Overview of the Political Environment ______________________________________ 59

6.3 Participation of PWDs in Government & Leadership Positions _________________ 60

6.4 Participation of PWDs in Voting Process _____________________________________ 62

6.5 Political Party’s Policy Intentions for PWDs __________________________________ 63

6.5.1 The New Patriotic Party (NPP)_____________________________________________ 63

6.5.2 The National Democratic Congress (NDC) ___________________________________ 64

6.5.3 The Convention Peoples Party (CPP)________________________________________ 64

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6.5.4 The Peoples National Convention (PNC) ____________________________________ 64

6.6 The Involvement of PWDs in Civil Society Groups ______________________________ 65

SECTION 7: THE LEGAL CONTEXT ______________________________________________ 69

7.1 Introduction ______________________________________________________________ 69

7.2 The Legal and Regulatory Environment______________________________________ 69

7.3 The Fourth Republican Constitution of 1992_________________________________ 70

7.4 The National Disability Policy 2000 ____________________________________________ 70

7.5 The Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) ___________________________________________ 71

7.5.1 The National Council on Disabilities _________________________________________ 71

7.6 Some Omissions in the Disability Act 2006 (Act 715)___________________________ 72

7.7 Issues of Implementation ___________________________________________________ 73

7.8 The Labour Act 2003 & Labour Regulation 2007 ______________________________ 74

7.9 The Children Act 1998 _____________________________________________________ 75

7.10 The UN Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) __________ 75

SECTION 8: SECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXT________________________________________ 77

8.2 Information ______________________________________________________________ 77

8.2.1 Television_______________________________________________________________ 78

8.2.2 Newspapers/Books _______________________________________________________ 79

8.2.3 Libraries ________________________________________________________________ 79

8.2.4 Movies _________________________________________________________________ 79

8.2.5 Computer and Internet ____________________________________________________ 80

8.3 Communication___________________________________________________________ 81

8.3.1 Telephone_______________________________________________________________ 82

8.3.2 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)_________________________________________ 83

8.4 Assistive Technology_______________________________________________________ 83

SECTION 9: THE MEDIA CONTEXT ______________________________________________ 85

9.1 Review of the Media Environment __________________________________________ 85

9.1.1 The National Media Commission ____________________________________________ 85

9.1.2 The National Media Policy__________________________________________________ 85

9.1.3 The Print Media Guide ____________________________________________________ 86

9.1.4 Broadcasting Standards ____________________________________________________ 86

9.1.5 The Disability Act 2006 ____________________________________________________ 86

9.1.6 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability ________________________ 87

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9.2 Review of Policy Documents of Partner Organizations ___________________________ 87

9.3 Content Analysis of the Daily Graphic _________________________________________ 87

9.3.1 Background of Daily Graphic _______________________________________________ 88

9.3.2 Examination of the Editorial Content of the Daily Graphic_______________________ 88

9.3.3 Classification of Disability Related Stories _____________________________________ 89

9.3.4 Source and Structure of Stories_______________________________________________ 89

9.3.5 Structure of Stories ________________________________________________________ 89

9.3.6 The Prominence Given to Disability related Stories _____________________________ 90

9.3.7 Monthly Publications ______________________________________________________ 91

9.4 Analysis of Interview with Media Houses _______________________________________ 92

9.4.1 Availability of Disability Related Issues in Media Programmes ____________________ 92

9.4.2 Perceived Adequacy of Media Reportage on Disability Issues______________________ 92

9.4.3 Nature of Disability Issues of Interest to Media Houses/ Journalist ________________ 92

9.4.4 Perceived Challenges Facing Journalists / Media Houses in Covering Disability Issues_ 93

9.4.5 Suggestion ons How PWDs could Improve Media Coverage of Their Issues._________ 94

SECTION 10: SUMMARY &CONCLUSIONS ________________________________________ 97

10.1 Introduction _______________________________________________________________ 97

10.2 Summary and Conclusions ___________________________________________________ 97

Appendixes ______________________________________________________________________ 102

Appendix 1: ___________________________________________________________________ 103

Terms of Reference_____________________________________________________________ 103

Appendix 2: Demographic Background of PWDs Interviewed _______________________ 106

Appendix 3: Interview Guide (PWDs) ____________________________________________ 106

Appendix 4: Definition of Key Terms in Media Analysis ____________________________ 123

Appendix 5 : List of Persons Interviewed__________________________________________ 125

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List of Figures

Figure 1: Distribution of the Population of PWDs_____________________________1

Figure 2 Gender Distribution of informants PWDs____________________________3

Figure 3 Distribution of income levels of PWDs_______________________________9

Figure 4: Distribution of PWDs by sector of the Economy_____________________11

Figure 5: Distribution of Unemployment Rate of PWDs by Gender______________12

Figure 6: Have you ever applied from credit from any financial institution before?__15

Figure 7: Do you feel unequal to non disabled persons?________________________20

Figure 8: Do you feel unequal to non disabled persons? Sex Cross tabulation_______30

Figure 9: Educational Levels of PWDs______________________________________47

Figure 10: Do you know how to access the internet?__________________________80

Figure 11: Percentage of total Graphic publication on disability related issues?_____88

Figure 12: Classification of disability related stories___________________________88

Figure 13: Sources of disability related stories?_______________________________89

Figure 14: Structure of disability stories?____________________________________89

Figure 15: Placement given to disability related stories?________________________90

Figure 16: Size of disability related stories___________________________________90

Figure 17: Enhancement of stories with photograph__________________________91

Figure 18: Distribution of monthly publications_____________________________91

Figure 19: Conceptual Framework of the disability situation in Ghana___________98

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List of Acronyms

ACW

ATMs

CABAs

CHRAJ

CPP

CRPD

CWIQ

DAs

DACF

DCE

DMHIS

DAB

DAD

DPOD

DSW

DVLA

EC

FBO

GAB

GES

GFD

African Charter on Women’s Rights

Automatic Teller Machines

Children Affected By Aids

Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice

The Convention Peoples Party

Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities

Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire

District Assemblies

District Assemblies’ Common Fund

District Chief Executive

District Mutual Health Insurance Scheme

Danish Association of the Blind

Danish Association of the Physically Disabled

Disabled People Organization of Denmark

Department of Social welfare

Driver and Vehicle License Authority

Electoral Commission

Farmer Based Organizations

Ghana Association of the Blind

Ghana Education Service

Ghana Federation for the Disabled

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GLSS

GNAD

GPRS

GSPD

GSS

HDI

HDR

HIPC

HIV/AIDS

ILO

LEAP

LI

MASLOC

MESS

MiDA

MLGRD

MoH

MOWAC

NCD

NDC

NDP

NGO

NHIS

NHP

Ghana Living Standard Survey

Ghana National Association of the Deaf

Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy

Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled

Ghana Statistical Service

Human Development Index

Human Development Report

Highly Indebted Poor Country

Human Immune Virus/ Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome

International Labour Organization

Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty

Legislative Instruments

Microfinance and Small Loan Centre

Ministry of Education, Science and Sports

Millennium Development Authority

Ministry of Local Government and Regional Integration

Ministry of Health

Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs

National Council on Disability

National Democratic Congress

National Disability Policy

Non-Governmental Organization

National Health Insurance Scheme

National Health Policy

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NMC

NPP

NRC

NYEP

OPWDs

OVC

PLWHA

PNC

PRSPs

PWDs

SED

STC

ToR

UN

WFCL

National Media Commission

New Patriotic Party

National Rehabilitation Centre

National Youth Employment Program

Organizations of Persons with Disabilities

Orphan and Vulnerable Children

People Living with HIV/AIDS

Peoples National Convention

Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers

Persons with Disabilities

Special Education Division

State Transport Company

Terms of Reference

United Nation

Worst Forms of Child Labour

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BACKGROUND

According to an estimate by the World Health Organization (WHO), there are about 600

million disabled people worldwide (i.e. about 10% of the world population). It is estimated

that about 80% of all disabled people worldwide live in developing countries. With a

population of about 21 million, Ghana has a disability population of about 7-10 percent1.

According to the Ministry of Health there is growing trend in the number of PWDs in

Ghana2.

The common disabilities are physical,

visual, sensory and mental. According

to the Ghana National Disability

Policy (NDP) document (2000), there

are more women with disability than

men. Except in the Northern and

Upper East Regions females constitutes

55.1 percent of the disability

population whiles males form 44.9

percent3. There is however, variations

in terms of the type of disability found

in Ghana. The blind/visually impaired

constitute the highest proportion of

PWDs found in Ghana with 59.0

percent for females and 55.1 percent for

males. The physically disabled represents the second largest category of PWDs with

disabilities. Persons with learning disabilities are in the third category with 14 percent for

females and 13 percent for males. The deaf/hearing impaired also constitutes 11 percent (for

males) and 10 percent (females).

Many persons with disability face various forms of discrimination and are unable to assert

their rights. The disability movement in Ghana is also weak, fragmented and lack the

capacity to confront injustices meted out to them by the larger society. Persons with

disabilities face numerous challenges ranging from low level of self-esteem, limited mobility,

1 The Ghana Human Development Report 2007

2National Health Policy (2007), Creating wealth through the Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana Sept. 2007

3 Ghana Disability Policy, 2000, p 10

SECTION 1

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Blind Phys.disabled

Learningdisabilty

Deaf Nationalaverage

Figure 1: Distribution of the population ofPWDs by sex (source: NDP, 2000)

Females Males

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high dependency and poverty, lack of access to education, health and other social services.

Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPWDs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSO)

have made some strides in pushing forward the disability agenda but weak organizational

capacity and limited experience in advocacy have hampered their momentum.

It is in this respect that the Danish Association of the Physically Disabled (DAD), the

Disabled People Organizations of Denmark (DPOD), the Danish Association of the

Blind(DAB) and their Ghanaian partner organisations namely, the Ghana Association of the

Blind (GAB), Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled (GSPD) and Ghana Federation of

the Disabled (GFD), with financial support from DANIDA, came together to launch a

programme titled “Strengthening the Disability Movement in Ghana Through Advocacy and

Capacity Building”.

Based on the demand of the project, the partner organizations decided to conduct a

Contextual Analysis of the Disability Situation in Ghana to identify opportunities and

barriers for influencing policies and developing strategies to ensure a shift from activity

driven planning to a more dynamic approach.

The report therefore reviews the legal, cultural, economic, social, media, political and

technological context as it relates to persons with disabilities in Ghana. The contextual

analysis has been carried out by JMK Research Consulting Team. The team consists of

Osman Mensah as the team leader, social development and disability expert, Jody Williams,

socio-economic research expert, Richmond Atta –Ankomah, development expert and Mboje

Mjomba, Advocacy and Communication expert.

The content of this report and the views expressed therein are the sole responsibility of the

Consultants or the Company which they represent and are not necessarily shared by the

sponsoring organizations or other individuals interviewed. The Consultants are very grateful

to all those who supported this work.

The rest of the report is organized as follows. The second section focuses on the methodology

that was adopted in the report and provides some demographic background of PWDs

interviewed during field visits. The third section is on the economic context, while the fourth

discusses the cultural context of disability. The fifth section focuses on the social context

while the six talks about the political context. The seventh and eighth sections talks about the

legal and technological contexts respectively while the ninth section is on the media. The

tenth and last section provide a concluding remark for the study.

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METHODOLOGY

2.1 Technical Approach

The report partially adopts the SWOT approach in carrying out the contextual analysis.

[SWOT is the acronym for Strength, Weakness, Opportunities, and Threats]. In this sense

the report concentrates on the opportunities and threats in the external environment of the

disability movement. This methodology is used to scan the external legislative and policy

environment as it relates to persons with disabilities. The methodology is considered

appropriate in the light of the objectives of the report – to identify opportunities and barriers

for influencing policies and developing strategies (see ToR at Appendix 1). A summary of

opportunities and barriers is presented at the end of each major section.

2.2 Method of Contextual Analysis

The report employs a mix of desk reviews and field interviews. It involves, first, a desk-

review of the relevant documentation on persons with disabilities. The major sources of

information in this respect are relevant government policy documents, legislation, directives,

and International Conventions and protocols. This was followed by field interviews with key

informants in the relevant Ministries,

Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and

traditional rulers [Details of respondents

interviewed has been provided at

Appendix 5].

National executives of OPWDs and 87

PWDs in three pilot districts namely

Manya Krobo, Ho Central and Birim

South districts were interviewed (For

details of persons interviewed see

appendix 5]. The gender composition of

the sampled PWDs includes more

females (55.2 percent) than males (44.8

percent).

SECTION 2

17

13

9

16

21

11

Blind Phys. disabled Deaf

Figure 2: Gender distribution of Informants

Males Females

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Age distribution of the sample shows that the respondents’ ages range between 20 and 75

years with the average being 40.3 years. The majority of PWDs interviewed were however

between the ages of 30-39. Thirty-seven percent of (37%) of PWDs had up to secondary

education while 12 .6 percent had no formal education. Only 13.6 % have had tertiary

education and majority of them were members of GAB. Twenty six percent of PWDs

interviewed were vendors/traders, 25 % were unemployed while 17.2 percent were formal

sector workers [for details of the demographic background of PWDs see appendix 2).

The report primarily employs the qualitative approach in the analysis in which the most

informative cases are cited to support the narratives. Some quantitative information from the

field interview is however cited to support certain propositions. Due to the small nature of

the sample4 and mode of sample selection5, care should be taking in generalizing from the

quantitative results since generalization could be misleading. Compelling testimonies of

some PWDs are reported but their correct identity is withheld for confidentiality reasons.

The field interviews were conducted between 17th September 2008 and 10th October 2008.

2.3 Method of Media Analysis

In the case of the Media Analysis, the report undertakes content analysis of daily graphic

newspaper to measure media coverage of disability issues aside the use of primary interview

and desk review. The methodology for the media analysis is provided below:

2.3.1 Desk Review

The report reviews secondary data on the media policy context and identifies the policy

position on media reportage as it affects persons with disabilities. Policy documents such

as the National Media Policy, the Print Media Guide and the Broadcasting standards were

reviewed. The report further reviews the mandate of the National Media Commission and

examines how disability related issues are captured. Other National and International

legislation and protocols such as the Disability Act 2006 and the UN Convention on the

Right of Persons with Disabilities are reviewed. This is to examine the legislative position

in terms of media coverage and reportage on disability issues.

4 Only 87 PWDs were interviewed from the three pilot districts and hence making generalization may be misleading.

5 The convenience sampling method was employed as PWDs were selected for interview based on their availability at thetime of the field visit. Although informants were notified before the field interview, the interview took place during workinghours and hence there was the likelihood that key demographics [such as PWDs who are employed] could not avail themselvesfor interview. This implies that readers should be cautious in making generalization out of the small sampled data.

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2.3.2 Interview with Media Houses

In order to ascertain complete picture on how disability issues are treated by the Media,

10 Journalists were interviewed from 4 television media houses namely GTV, TV3, TV

Africa and Metro TV. [Details of persons interviewed are presented in appendix 5]. Apart

from GTV where only one person was interviewed, 3 persons each were interviewed from

the three media houses.

The report employs the snowballing sampling method in selecting the informants

interviewed. Under this sampling method one likely unit of the population is identified

who will then recommend the next persons to be interviewed. The process continues

until the data obtained from the informants begin to be repetitive. The report adopts this

method in order to identify the knowledgeable and strategic key informants.

2.3.3 Method for Content Analysis

In undertaking the content analysis of the Daily Graphic Newspaper, the report adopts

the quantitative approach. This method enables the researcher to examine the contents of

the Daily Graphic for disability related stories.

A population of 131 editions of the Daily Graphic was considered. This represents the

total number of Daily Graphic’s editions from 1st May 2008 to 30st September 2008. Out

of this number, a sample of 105 publications was selected. This represents 80.2 % of the

entire population. The Daily Graphic publications from Monday to Friday were

considered for sample selections. [There are also no publications on Sundays]. The Daily

Graphic was selected from amongst the wide array of newspapers on the Ghanaian market

mainly because of its wider coverage in Ghana. The unit of analysis for the content

analysis consists of all hard news stories, feature articles and editorials that are related to

PWDs. [For definitions of key terms in this report please refer to Appendix 4].

Related advertisements, announcements and letters to the editors were excluded in the

search. To enable the report achieve its intended objectives, all disability related stories

identified were categorized under six main headings - policies, education, legal issues,

statistics, public opinion and events on disability issues. The report ensures that all the

categories are mutually exclusive. Thus each unit of analysis (a disability story) can fall

into only one category.

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Accordingly, all stories that reported news about events such as disability campaigns,

demonstrations and conferences are placed under the events category. Similarly, all

disability related stories that sought to educate and protect PWDs against any form of

unjust treatment or that seeks to promote their welfare including seminars, forums, and

workshops are classified under Education. The statistics category includes stories that

reported the increase or decrease of prevalence of disability, the population of PWDs etc,

Reports on cases of Disability relating to legal or Court issues are placed under legal issues

while those that reported news on rules and procedures relating to disability issues are

placed under the policies category. Finally, stories that reported the opinions of members

of the public on issues relating to PWDs are classified under the public opinion category.

The prominence given to disability related stories was determined by considering the

placement of stories (whether in front-page, centre page, back page, and other pages) and

their enhancement with photographs. The report employs the use of various statistical

tools - tables, graphs and pie-charts to illustrate the frequency of disability related stories

during the period under review.

The draft report was reviewed and discussed at several stages in the process at meetings with

the research team, inputs from technical facilitators from SCSC, GFD, GSPD, GAB and

GNAD and ultimately presented and the recommendations considered at a validation

workshop attended by OPWDs.

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ECONOMIC CONTEXT

3.1 Introduction

This section deals with the analysis of the economic context. In particular, it evaluates the

economic conditions in Ghana and how it affects PWDs. It identifies the opportunities and

threats in the economy that have implications on the current and future well-being of PWDs

in Ghana. The section begins with an overview of the employment situation and living

standards in Ghana and narrows down to the living standards of PWDs in Ghana. The

section then examines the labour market in Ghana and its implication for PWDs. It further

examines PWDs access to finance and highlights the various schemes aimed at providing

PWDs with access to capital.

3.2 Employment Situation and Living Standards in Ghana

Ghana’s economy is still one of the poorest in the world. After some surges of increases in

the per capita income within the last decade, it is still as low as $600 per annum. Recent

estimates published in the Ghana Human Development Index, 2007, show that the incidence

of poverty has reduced. The report states that from the various rounds of the GLSS

conducted up to the fifth round, poverty levels have been falling. The proportion of

Ghanaians described as poor in 2005/06 was 28.5%, falling from 39.5% in 1998/99. Those

described as extremely poor declined from 26.8% to 18.2%6.

Unemployment rate in 2000 was estimated at 10 percent. The value has fallen recently. In the

HDI report 2007, unemployment and under employment was estimated at approximately 5.4

and 13.6 percent respectively for 2003. Unemployment was generally high among the youth

aged between 20 and 25 years. The high incidence of youth unemployment in the country

has been associated with the rapidly increasing population growth rate at an average of 2.7

percent per annum over the past two decades.

The unemployment rates are generally lower for men than women. The HDI (2007) reports

that the ratio of female to male unemployment rate was 1.09:1 in 2003. The gender

dimension of the unemployment situation also permeates the incidence of youth

unemployment in Ghana. The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) (2005) estimates

6 The Ghana Human Development Report 2007 p.26

SECTION 3

1

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unemployment at 10.4 percent for males aged between 20 and 24 years and 10.9 percent for

females in the same age group. According to estimates by GSS in 2005, unemployment7 is

high in the urban areas than the rural areas mainly due to the high level of rural-urban

migration in Ghana. However, underemployment8 is higher in the rural areas than in the

urban areas.

The informal economy in Ghana is characterized by the ease of entry and exit, reliance on

indigenous resources, small scale operation, labour intensive and adaptive technology, family

ownership of most enterprises and an unregulated market Among the major informal

economies in the country are agriculture, food processing, clothing, metal fabrication and

repairs, wood processing, handicraft construction, garage services, trade, restaurant ("chop

bar") and transport. Typically, the skills required for operating in this sector are acquired

outside the formal system of education. The Core Welfare Indicator Questionnaire (CWIQ)

II survey9 estimates that the informal economy employs 91 percent of the economically active

people in general, with 92 percent of all employed persons in the rural areas and 75 percent in

the urban areas. In terms of location, 61 percent of all informal economic activities are

undertaken in urban areas with about 39 percent in the rural areas.

3.3 The Living Standards of PWDs in Ghana

The poverty situation of persons with disability in Ghana is much worse and quite

worrisome. In fact, it is said that PWDs in Ghana are among the poorest of the poor in one

of the poorest countries in the world. Meanwhile, PWDs in Ghana form an alarming

proportion of the Ghanaian population- about 10%10

According to the Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP) policy paper, studies

have identified three types of factors that worsen the plight of persons with disabilities. These

factors include:

Additional costs resulting from the disability;

Loss of income and/or opportunities to work;

Marginalization or exclusion from services and/or social and community activities.

7 Unemployment refers to the inability for willing workers to find gainful employment.8 Underemployment refers to situation in which a worker is employed, but not in the desired capacity, whether in terms ofcompensation, hours, or level of skill and experience9 GSS, Core welfare Indicators, 2003 cited in the HDR, 2007. p 2710 The Ghana Human Development Report 2007


The paper further asserts that in the absence of

sufficient) income maintenance programs and other schemes available in the country, care and

support of persons with disabilities are usually considered to be the responsibility of their families.

Without support from the family,

circumstances where there is little support from outside the household, the additional resources

(including time) needed to adequately support the disabled individuals can place a large stres

the entire household. In poor households, where the disabled person is also responsible for all or part

of the household’s income or subsistence, the effect can be devastating.”

Given the above background, it is not surprising that the interview

disabilities in the three districts revealed that PWDs face debilitating economic conditions of

varying degrees. For example, out of the 87 informants interviewed from the pilot districts,

provide the needed social and economic support for them to sail through the various normal

life endeavors. However, a few (33 percent) of them note

their families were good enough to provide them with necessary support for carving decent

livelihoods.

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

Fig:ure 3: Distribution of income levels ofPWDs


The paper further asserts that in the absence of “……… a comprehensive (if not necessarily

me maintenance programs and other schemes available in the country, care and


Without support from the family, a severely disabled person’s condition can be very precarious. In


(including time) needed to adequately support the disabled individuals can place a large stres


of the household’s income or subsistence, the effect can be devastating.”

Given the above background, it is not surprising that the interview



about 49 percent earned not more than

GH¢40 a month

the informants actually languish in

extreme poverty. Twenty three percent

of the informants were unemployed and

did not have any sustainable source of

livelihood. These segments are left to the

mercies or magnanimity of relat

some few friends. The incomes of the

few who have a regular source of income

are woefully inadequate and underscore

the squalid economic circumstances they

face.

Close to 66 percent of

from low income

low-to-moderate socio

standing in their communities

result, their families could barely


. However, a few (33 percent) of them noted that the economic background of


Fig:ure 3: Distribution of income levels of

Blind

Deaf

Phys. Dis.

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“……… a comprehensive (if not necessarily

me maintenance programs and other schemes available in the country, care and


severely disabled person’s condition can be very precarious. In


(including time) needed to adequately support the disabled individuals can place a large stress on


Given the above background, it is not surprising that the interviews with persons with



about 49 percent earned not more than

(See figure 3). Many of

the informants actually languish in

extreme poverty. Twenty three percent

of the informants were unemployed and

did not have any sustainable source of

livelihood. These segments are left to the

mercies or magnanimity of relatives and

some few friends. The incomes of the

few who have a regular source of income

are woefully inadequate and underscore

the squalid economic circumstances they

percent of informants come

from low income families, which have

moderate socio-economic

standing in their communities. As a

their families could barely


d that the economic background of


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3.4 PWDs and the Labour Market in Ghana

3.4.1 Policy Environment

The National Disability Law, 2006, Act 715, makes provisions to safeguard the rights of

PWDs in employment. The Ghana Labour Law, 2003, (Act 651) also makes similar

provisions for the employment of persons with

disabilities in the Labour force.

Part V of the Labour Act centers on the employment ofPWDs. The Act encourages persons with disability toregister with the public employment centre, upon whichcertificates will be issued to them. The ancillary LabourRegulation (2007) enjoins government to establishDisablement units in all districts, which shall be attachedto the Public Employment Centres and carry out theregistration of persons with disabilities. The LabourRegulations enjoins the Disablement Unit to seek foremployment for registered PWDs. The Regulations donot give any quota to qualified PWDs to work in thepublic sector where government has much control overthe recruitment process.

The law further stipulates that special incentives shall be provided to both employers who

employ a PWD and PWDs engaged in any business venture or enterprise. The Regulation

states that employers who employ up to 5 PWDs or more than five PWDs shall be given a

tax rebate –to be determine by the Minister of Finance upon recommendation from the

Minister of Manpower, Youth and Employment.

The Regulation is, however, silent on the percentage of rebate to be enjoyed by employers.

An employer who is being enticed to employ a PWD may want to know at first hand the

nature and extent of the rebate. If the government does not spell out the percentage of tax

rebate it intends to give to employers for employing a specific number of PWDs, it will be a

hard sell, as many employers may not want to commit themselves to any uncertain future

benefit. OPWDs may petition the relevant Ministry to come out with the details of the

incentives it intends to give to employers who employers PWDs.

The Labour Act 2003 and its accompanied Labour Regulation (2007) further provides

incentives for PWDs who are engaged in their own private businesses or ventures. The

regulation does not spell out the application procedures. Neither does it contains any

The disablement unit has not

been established by the relevant

agencies. PWDs may develop an

advocacy strategy that call for

the establishment of the

disablement unit across the

country. The disablement unit

will help reduce the

unemployment rate among the

disabled community as well as

provide vital statistics on the

number of unemployed PWDs.

in the country. Specific request

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information on the nature of support to be provided to PWDs. OPWDs may request the

relevant Ministries to spell out the necessary details of the incentives to be given to PWDs.

These incentives could go a long way to assist self- employed PWDs to expand their business

ventures.

3.4.2 Participation and Conditions in the Labour market

The unemployment situation in Ghana is generally bad but worse for PWDs. According to

the 2007 Ghana Human Development report11, the employment rate of PWDs is pegged at 69

percent while that of the general population is said to be 80.2 percent. This suggests that the

unemployment rate for PWDs is 31 percent while that of non-disabled persons is 19.8

percent. The report further notes that in situations where PWDs are employed, questions

arise as to the quality and level of employment and the constraints and frustrations faced in

employment. The high unemployment rate among PWDs was similar to informants

interviewed from the three pilot districts. Thus out of the 87 PWDs interviewed from the

three pilot districts, a third is completely unemployed while about half of them are

underemployed. The high unemployment among the PWDs cannot be totally attributed to

their limited employable skills. Although, some PWDs have limited employable skills as the

interview revealed, other significant factors (which are highlighted in the rest of the

discussions in this section) limit their participation in the labour force.

Among the PWDs interviewed in the pilot districts, it was observed that while about 30

percent of the blind and 15 percent of the

physically disabled work in the formal

sector, none of the deaf/hearing impaired

were found to work in the formal sector of

the economy (see Figure 4).

The absence of persons with hearing

impairment in the formal sector is attributed

to their low educational background and the

problem of communication. In this respect,

the national administrator of the Ghana

Association of the Deaf had this to say;

“It is absolutely rare to find a person, with

hearing impairment, working in the formal

11The Ghana Human Development Report 2007, p.129

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20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Blind Deaf PhysicallyDisab

Figure 4: Distribution of PWDs bythe sector of the economy

Formal Sector

Informal sector

Unmeployed

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sector. Majority of them do not have any

professional employable skills because they

have limited educational background. Even

artisans among them find it difficult to engage

in full time or active self employment because

of their inability to communicate with other

persons without hearing impairments.”

The unemployment situation among PWDs

also has gender dimensions. According to

HDR 2007, unemployment is much higher

among women aged 20-24 (10.9%) than men

(10.5%) in the same age bracket. The field

interview supports this trend as many of the

unemployed PWDs were females (Figure 5).

Many PWDs find it difficult getting jobs. As a matter of fact, the field interview revealed that

about 48 of the PWDs, who are without jobs, are discouraged workers. [A discouraged worker

is someone who has stopped looking for a job after a long period of futile efforts at finding

one]. The difficulty they face in searching for jobs can be associated with their limited

employable skills. However, many PWDs face genuine difficulties, in the job market, which

do not affect non disabled persons. A lot of the unemployed PWDs interviewed said that all

their efforts to find jobs have become completely fruitless. Some assert that they have been

refused jobs on several occasions because prospective employers think that they would not be

able to meet their expectations.

The experience of one physically disabled person, who has been searching for job, sums up

the frustrations facing many PWDs in the job market:

“I hold an HND in Accountancy from one of the Polytechnics. I gained this qualification about 6

years ago but I am still without a job after countless job applications I have made to various

organizations. Many of the organizations have called me for interview but have refused to offer me

employment. Sometime, I am tempted to believe that I am finding it difficult to get a job because of

my disability. The employers seem to underestimate my work performance as a result of my

physical condition but I am as able as any person without any form of disability, at least in my

area of profession.”

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

Unemployed

Figure 5: Distribution ofunemployment of PWDs rate by

Gender

Males

Females

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All the unemployed and underemployed PWDs interviewed crave for a sustainable source of

livelihood in the form of decent employment. This substantiates the claim of the

International Labour Organization’s (ILO) (2002) report12 which notes that:

“Provided certain conditions, the majority of men and women with disabilities want and can do

productive work, instead of being a charity case or living on formal redistribution mechanisms.”

It came to light during interview with informants that because of widespread discrimination

against them during recruitment and selection processes of employers, they find it extremely

difficult to land on any meaningful job, although they have the requisite skills needed for the

jobs. This means that PWDs are very available for work so long as their disability is not

severe enough to completely incapacitate them.

There was, however, one instance where a woman with physical disability challenged the

discriminatory tactics of her employers by lodging a formal complaint with the head office

and was finally offered the job. Her case reads:

“I hold an HND qualification from a recognized Polytechnic Institution in Ghana. I applied for

employment with a state agency and I was initially offered the job. But my appointment was

deferred because I was pregnant. When I notified the employers of my intention to start work after

delivery, I was told that the position had been taken over by another person. I therefore partitioned

the Head office of the agency in Accra and my appointment came directly from Accra with

conditions prohibiting the Regional Director from transferring me to any department or branch.”

According to the lady she was able to insist on her right

because she got to know them by attending seminars on

advocacy and lobbying on disability issues. This case

brings out some lessons; that is, if PWDs understand

their rights and insist on them, they will be able to

overcome some of the discriminatory challenges meted

out to them by the larger society.

Although, there is a noticeable gradual change in public

perception about PWDs as outcasts, the confidence of

the general public in the abilities of PWDs to perform

creditably in the job market is low.

12H.E. Prof. Mike Oquaye (2006) UNCTAD Expert Meeting In Support of the Implementation and Follow-Up of WSIS:

Using ICTs To Achieve Growth And Development Jointly organized by UNCTAD, OECD and ILO

The disability movement may

design a media advocacy

strategy to sensitize the general

public on the fact that ‘disability

is not inability’. This could be in

the form of drama on TV

showing the achievement of

some successful PWDs. This

will help change public

perception on disability with

time.

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Some of the few employed PWDs interviewed indicated that they lacked the needed logistics

or facilities that would help make up for their disabilities, and bolster their work

performance to the level of any non disabled person. Whilst persons with mild hearing

impairment do not have any hearing aid that would help in their communication with others

during work, physically disabled persons sometimes lack logistics such as wheeled office

chairs that makes movement easy in their offices. OPWDs may design advocacy programme

to sensitize employers to provide the necessary work support to PWDs. This sensitization

could be in the form of education on the specific kind of support that PWDs need to function

properly in the work place.

SUMMARY OF BARRIERS & OPPORTUNITIES

OPPORTUNITIES

The Labour Act 2003 and the Labour Regulation 2007 make provisions for the employment of

PWDs in the labour force. PWDs could press for the establishment of the disablement units to

facilitate their employment.

There is a general consensus among policy makers that PWDs are disadvantaged in terms of access

to employment. As a point of departure, OPWDs could make a strong case for certain percentage

of public sector employment to be given to qualified PWDs. This should be linked to the call for

the establishment of the disablement unit so that PWDs who register for employed could be

forwarded to the relevant MDAs annually for consideration.

PWDs that understand their rights and insist on them could break the ceiling. OPWDs

could sensitize their members about their rights under the law to further strengthen their

members to insist on their rights.

BARRIERS/ THREATS

The guideline on how to access the special incentives for PWDs stated in the Labour Act 2003 has

not been defined in the LI; The LI is also silent on the application procedures and the nature of

incentives. PWDs could develop strategies to press home their demands. This will go a long

The Labour Act 2003 and the Disability Act 2006 do not provide for any unemployment benefit

for PWDs. OPWDs could lobby for this facility for members who have been on the job search

register for long period of time.

The Labour Regulations 2007 do not spell out into detail the percentage of the tax rebate to be

given to employers.OPWDs could call for specific clarification to enable them convince employers

to emply PWDs.

The confidence of the general public in the abilities of PWDs to perform creditably in the job

market is low. The disability movement could therefore design a media advocacy strategy to

sensitize the general public on the fact that ‘disability is not inability’.


3.5 Access to Finance by PWDs

PWDs in Ghana have very limited access to credit.

percent) of PWDs interviewed have

and the various public and private cr

schemes available (see Figure

not imply that they are self

there are major significant barriers that

them from accessing credit from any formal

source such as banks, public and private

microfinance schemes etc.

3.5.1 Commercial and Rural Banks

The interview revealed that some of them

either do not have bank accounts or the

bank accounts are very inactive, and do not

have any economic asset that can be used as

collateral for loans from the commercials

and rural banks. A visually-impaired person

noted that:

“I have a bank account but the last time I deposited money into it was about two years ago. I

wonder if the account still exists.”

Many PWDs interviewed fall into the very low income bracket and even find it difficult to

meet their basic needs. In this regards, one cannot expect that persons wallowing in

deplorable economic conditions of this degr

Very few (3.4 percent), of those interviewed have ever applied for credit from the commercial

and rural banks (All such persons are those who are employed in the formal sector of the

economy and are active customers

banks). This means that PWDs in the informal sector of the economy are much more

constrained from accessing credit from the banks than those in the formal sector.

not all of those who have ever applied for credit from the banks were

According to them, they went through the normal procedures to obtain the credit from the

banks. Although the amounts of credit they obtained were not very substantial, some gave

testimonies, pointing to the fact that the credit brought some improvement into their


Access to Finance by PWDs

PWDs in Ghana have very limited access to credit. For example, s

) of PWDs interviewed have never applied for credit from any financial institution

and private credit

see Figure 6). This does

not imply that they are self-sufficient but

gnificant barriers that deter

them from accessing credit from any formal

source such as banks, public and private

Commercial and Rural Banks

The interview revealed that some of them

have bank accounts or the

nactive, and do not

have any economic asset that can be used as

collateral for loans from the commercials

impaired person


wonder if the account still exists.”



deplorable economic conditions of this degree will be able to save with the banks.

, of those interviewed have ever applied for credit from the commercial

All such persons are those who are employed in the formal sector of the

active customers of the banks. That is they receive their salaries through the


constrained from accessing credit from the banks than those in the formal sector.

ho have ever applied for credit from the banks were



onies, pointing to the fact that the credit brought some improvement into their

0

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20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Figure 6: Have you ever applied forcredit from any financial insttution

before?

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For example, sixty seven percent (67

never applied for credit from any financial institution




ee will be able to save with the banks.

, of those interviewed have ever applied for credit from the commercial

All such persons are those who are employed in the formal sector of the

they receive their salaries through the


constrained from accessing credit from the banks than those in the formal sector. Apparently,

ho have ever applied for credit from the banks were refused the credit.



onies, pointing to the fact that the credit brought some improvement into their

Figure 6: Have you ever applied forcredit from any financial insttution

before?

Yes No

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livelihood through investment in their wards education and economic ventures. This

confirms the fact that access to credit is very important to the livelihood improvement of any

member of society. It is even more important for PWDs, in that, PWDs are among the

poorest of the poor in Ghanaian society.

As many PWDs are unemployed and lack opportunities for personal and career development,

an increase in credit flow to PWDs in productive ventures of their own or those wanting to

go into such ventures can result in phenomenal transformation of their lives.

3.5.2 Public Microfinance Scheme

Some of the PWDs are not only constrained from obtaining credit from the commercial

banks but they have very limited access to microfinance facilities such as public credit

schemes like the Micro and Small Loans Centre Scheme(MASLOC), credit scheme of the

Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MWCA) and private micro credit schemes. The

interview revealed that awareness level among informants about the existence of public micro

finance schemes such as the MASLOC and that of the Ministry of Women and Children’s

Affairs were low. The few who knew of such schemes have not been able to obtain credit

from these sources. An interview with some persons with hearing impairment/deaf revealed

that none of their members have heard of these schemes due to communication problem. It

was mostly other disability groups, which enjoyed these opportunities under the scheme.

Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Scheme

MASLOC is public microfinance scheme instituted by

government to help individuals who operate small scale

enterprises. Every operator of such an enterprise can access

credit from the facility through an association or by

providing a business plan on how the credit will be used if he

decides to apply as an individual.

It was observed that many PWDs were not aware of the

opportunities been offered by MASLOC. Few who have tried

were unsuccessful. Information obtained from the MASLOC

office indicate that the default rate of loans given to PWDs,

especially those who do not obtain the credit through

associations, is very high and this has led to extensive scrutiny

PWDs may form groups

to access funds from this

source. OPWDs may also

carry out financial

management training to

equip their members with

the requisite

management skills and

also sensitize them on

the need to repay loans

given to them to improve

their creditworthiness.

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of their application and credit worthiness before the loans are given to them.

Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs (MWCA) Credit Scheme

Information from this Ministry indicates that the scheme has been in operation for 7 years.

Yet, none of the PWDs interviewed knew about the existence of the credit scheme.

Therefore, the question of whether PWDs are able to access this scheme becomes

unnecessary. An interview with stakeholders in charge of the scheme at the Ministry reveals

that the Micro Credit scheme does not have any special package for WWD.

It was explained that any woman, who is available for work, qualifies to access the credit

scheme; however, the person ought to satisfy the basic requirement of the scheme. Basically

the applicant has to be part of a women’ group or association. Moreover, members of the

group should go through a series of training before the credit would be given to them. The

training is expected to equip them with some management and bookkeeping skills so that

they can effectively use the credit to turn the fortunes of their businesses and livelihood,

which will, in turn, improve their capacity to pay back the loan.

The credit scheme is administered at the district level and the amount of credit that can be

accessed by each individual in a group ranges from GH¢100 to GH¢500. The actual amount

that can be accessed depends on the work they do or what they propose to use the money

for.

The interview also revealed that the MWCA does not have or have not carried out any

special programme that aims to improve the economic situations of WWDs, in spite of its

recognition that WWDs have certain special needs and are doubly discriminated against.

According to the key informants interviewed at the Ministry, it is high time such recognition

translated into policies and programmes that addresses the special concerns of WWDs. She

revealed that the internal evaluation of the Gender and Children’s Policy, carried out by the

Ministry actually pointed to the fact that programmes and policies of the Ministry should

delve into specific issues concerning WWDs. Female members of OPWDs may form groups

to tap into the credit facilities at MWCA. OPWDs may also lobby for specific package for

WWDs since the Ministry duly acknowledged that they are disadvantaged.

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The Government of Ghana Pilot Micro Loans for PWDs

The government of Ghana has piloted micro-credit schemes for PWDs since 2005. Under

the schemes, 2 districts each were selected from each of the ten regions to participate in

the pilot programme. So far, an amount of Gh¢ 100,000 is said to have been disbursed to

about 950 PWDs13. The government has further expressed its intention to extend this

facility to other districts. The three pilot districts visited were not part of the selected

districts and hence data on beneficiaries could not be captured. OPWDs may monitor this

programme closely to establish the impact of this scheme so as to make input for any

identified policy imbalances.

3.5.3 Private Microfinance Scheme

PWDs also have limited access to private microfinance schemes. For instance, out of the 87

informants interviewed, 6 persons have ever applied for credit from these sources out of

which only 3 were successful. When asked why they have not applied for such facility,

informants explained that they are not likely to get it hence saw no need to apply. Others

think that the interest rate is too high and could therefore not repay. Those who were able

to access these schemes were customers of these institutions. Successful applicants however

faced some challenges in repaying the loan. Informants explained that private micro finance

schemes do not have flexible repayment terms:

“The repayment terms were not flexible at all. I had to repay the entire loan in only five months.

Meanwhile, the returns from my business were not good enough to allow me repay the loan within

that period.”

“I invested the money in my petty trade. But sales were slow to the extent that I could barely

comply with the repayment terms. It also became difficult to manage the business finance because of

the slow pace of the sales. Finally, I had to repay about a third of the loan from the sale of my

personal belonging.”

PWDs therefore find it difficult to honor their promise on repayment of loan from these

private microfinance schemes even when they are given such credits. This has deterred a lot

of them from applying for credit from these sources.

13 Daily Graphic , 2008, Monday November 3 , .1

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3.5.4 The District Assemblies Common Fund

Article 252 (2) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the District Assemblies Common

Fund (DACF) Act, (1993), Act 455 mandates Parliament to make provision for the

allocation of not less than five per cent (5%) of the total revenue of Ghana to the District

Assemblies’ Common Fund for the implementation of development programmes in the

Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

Presently the DAs are allocated 7.5% of total national revenue instead of the previous 5%.

The Administrator of the District Assembly Common Fund transfers the fund to the

districts quarterly. Section 7(a) of the Common Fund Act, (1993) also requires the

Administrator of the District Assemblies’ Common Fund to propose annually for the

approval of Parliament a Formula for Sharing the Common Fund to the District

Assemblies. Some of these criteria are the size of the population, the ability of the district


OPPORTUNITIES

PWDs can obtain credit from MASLOC and MWCA through their respective OPWDs at

the district levels.

WWDs can access the credit facilities of MWCA through women groups within their

respective OPWDs at the districts.

Generally, PWDs can access credit from microfinance schemes through vibrant

associations which can be formed on the lines of their disabilities or economic

activities/trade/profession.

PWDs can access credit from commercial and rural banks if they are able to operate active

bank accounts.

BARRIERS/ THREATS

PWDs are perceived as not credit worthy

Many PWDs do not have assets to use as collateral for loans from formal financial

institutions

The Public Micro Credit Schemes do not have any special provision for PWDs. They have

to compete with non disabled persons.

Awareness level about the existence of these credit facilities is low among PWDs

Repayment terms of credit from private microfinance schemes are not flexible for PWDs.

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to mobilize revenue, the level of poverty in the district, the status i.e. Whether District,

Municipal or Metropolitan and among others.

At the beginning of every year, the fund Administrator together with the Ministry of

Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) develops guidelines for the

disbursement of the funds at the Metropolitan, Municipal and District level.

Disbursing funds towards issues on disability began in 2005. The 2005 guideline allocated

up to 5% to initiatives of Persons with Disabilities. This generated a lot of confusion

between PWDs and the MMDAs. Among some of the initial challenges were; the exact

percentage to allocate, what constitute an acceptable initiatives from PWDs, which of the

disability groups should MMDAs deal with since each of the groups comes demanding

their 5% share of the common fund, and limited skills by the PWDs in the districts to

prepare and present basic project proposals.

The disability movements in Ghana embarked on vigorous advocacy and lobbying

activities and with the support of the media especially Public Agenda newspaper, and

other civil society organisations; OPWDs were able to carry out the following;

1. Lobbied for a change in the guideline.

a. The “Up to 5%” phrase which was creating the confusion was changed to a

fixed percentage of 2%.

b. The use of the funds was also made clearer

2. All the disability groups in the districts came together into one umbrella group

called the district GFD and this made it easier for the District Assemblies to deal

with them.

3. Training of the district leaders on how to prepare a basic project proposal to be

understood by the Districts Assemblies were carried out in some districts.

In the new guidlines the funds was to be released to OPWDs upon presentation of a proposal

detailing how PWDs intend to use the funds. Individual PWDs cannot access the funds under

the disbursement guidelines. OPWDs who intend to access the Common fund should be a

recognized association registered with the Department of Social Welfare.

Out of the three pilot districts visited, only Birim South district does not have problems in

accessing the DACF. District Assemblies in Manya Krobo and Ho, for instance have refused

to release the Common funds to OPWDs. PWDs interviewed from these districts registered

their frustration on how they are treated by the DAs any time they present their proposal for

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the release of the funds. The usual excuse given to them by the DAs is that the Common

fund has not been released by the government.

There are however some bright spots. For instance, the Birim Central Metropolitan

Assembly has accounted for all allocations to PWDs, at least, for the year 2007. According to

OPWDs, a special committee has been set up to liaise with the social services committee of

the Assembly to ensure that OPWDs maximize the utilization of the fund. OPWDs have

used some of these funds to set up income generating activities that employ their members.

The GSPD and GAB have used some of their share of the common fund to set up an oil

palm processing plant.

There are real bottlenecks on the issue of the DA Common Fund. The government does not

often release the fund on time, and even where it does, it is not released fully. District

Assemblies however finance their

projects from this fund and the little

funds, which the government releases at a

point in time, are given out to

contractors and other beneficiary projects

to the detriment of PWDs. This cannot

however be a justification for non-release

of the funds to PWDs. It however

reinforces the view that DAs have not

prioritized the needs of PWDs in their

programs and activities.

The disability movement through the

Ghana Federation of the Disabled has

made some representation to the

government to smoothen the modalities

for disbursement of PWDs share of the

Common fund. According to GFD, a

proposal has been sent to the Ministry of

Local Government and Rural

Development (MLGRD) on the need to

set clear guidelines for the disbursement

of DACF to OPWDs. Additionally,

GFD has also sought for clarification to

The disability movement may explore the

possibility of lobbying the Administrator of

the DACF to deduct PWDs share of the

funds into a special accounts managed by the

National Council on Disability (if is

established) who will then further disburse to

PWDs at the various districts to carry out

their programmes and activities upon

submission of their proposals.

Alternatively, OPWDs may strengthen the

capacity of their members in the grass root in

the area of proposal writing and advocacy to

be able to undertake district level advocacy

to press home their demands. OPWDs may

partner with the local media and lobby

traditional chiefs, prominent individuals

and Assembly Members in the district for the

release of their share of the funds. PWDs

should also set up monitoring and

evaluation mechanisms within their

organizations to ensure that the disbursed

funds are accounted for as misapplication of

the funds may create other problems in the

future.

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the effect that the funds should be given to “recognized and represented” disability groups.

The back and forth argument about the DACF exemplifies how well intended policies in

Ghana fail at the implementation stage.

3.6 Government Economic Policy Interventions

This section presents a review of two selected government programmes for the

transformation of the living standards of the indigent/poor population in Ghana. This review

focuses on how PWDs are captured in these project documents.

3.6.1 Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP)

The LEAP social grant programme is the programme that is being implemented under the

broader National Social Protection program to provide both conditional and unconditional

cash transfers to target population. The LEAP programme is “….intended to empower and help

the target population to provide for their basic needs, poise them to access existing government

interventions, provide a “spring board” to help them to “Leap” out of the malaise of extreme

poverty, and ultimately empower them to contribute to the socio-economic development of the

country”.

Based on this objective, different Social Grants are administered to address the respective

target groups:

Social Grants for Subsistence Farmers and Fisher folk

Social Grants for the extremely poor above 65 years

Care Givers Grant Scheme for OVCs, particularly Children Affected By Aids

(CABAs) and children with severe disabilities.

Caregivers Grants for incapacitated /extremely poor PLWHAs

Social Grants for Pregnant Women/ Lactating Mothers with HIV/AIDS.

The conditional cash transfers are made to the extreme poor with no alternative means of

meeting their subsistence needs. The case for targeting these groups is made on cost-

effectiveness and equity grounds. According to the coordinator of the LEAP programme

interviewed at the programme’s secretariat, the beneficiaries who are considered as extremly

poor are identified using certain economic and social indicators. The major indicators

include the following:

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Housing

Income level

Meals

Clothing etc

On the other hand, the unconditional grants are also provided to individuals with no

productive capacity e.g. the elderly poor, persons with severe disabilities etc. Persons with

“severe” disabilities are PWDs whose disabilities are so severe to the extent that they cannot

engage in any form of productive activity to carve a livelihood.

For the conditional grants, the beneficiary households of the selected target groups are

required to comply with certain conditions while they remain on the scheme. These

conditions include:

To enroll and retain all school going age children in the household in public basic

schools. This affords the children to also benefit from the on-going Capitation

Grant and the School Feeding Program;

All members of the household must be registered and card bearing members of the

National Health Insurance Scheme;

New born babies (0 -18 months) must be registered with the Birth and Deaths

Registry, attend required post natal clinics and complete the Expanded Programme

on Immunization and;

To ensure that no child in the household is trafficked or engaged in any activities

constituting the Worst Forms of Child Labour (WFCL).

Whilst only persons with severe disabilities qualify for the unconditional grant, other PWDs

may also access the conditional grants if they have no means for meeting their subsistence

needs as determined by the relevant indicators. For PWDs without productive capacity, the

grant is supposed to provide them with food, clothing, assistive devices and water. PWDs

with productive capacity but are poor will be supported to benefit from existing social

protection measures e.g. Youth Employment Programme, Micro Finance Scheme,

Community–Based Rehabilitation etc. Women with disabilities who are care givers in the

households also qualify for the Care Givers Grant. With the exception of persons with severe

disabilities, PWDs generally do not have any preferential access to any of the provisions

under the LEAP programme. OPWDs many mobilize their unemployed members to take

advantage of the incentives under LEAP.

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The coordinator of the LEAP programme indicated that the support that will be offered to

PWDs to access existing social protection programmes will take several forms including

quotas and special registration processes on those programme. He revealed that a quota has

already been set for PWDs on the National Youth Employment Programme where certain

minimum number of PWDs is supposed to be enrolled in the NYEP. OPWDS should make

follow up to access the quota giving to PWDs who are unemployed under the NYEP

3.6.2 Millennium Development Authority Project

With finance from the Millennium Development Corporation, Ghana is pursuing an anti-

poverty programme, which:

“…….focuses on improving the productivity of agriculture, increasing production of high-value

commercial and basic food crops, and fostering greater private investment in agriculture. To that

end, the compact program is also designed to improve the physical and institutional infrastructure

in this critical sector of Ghana’s economy”.14

The compact project consists of three sub projects: Agriculture Project, Transportation and

Rural Development Project. An interview with a community project officer of the

Millennium Development Authority (MiDA) showed that MiDA is pursuing several

intervention programmes under the aforementioned three projects “to improve various stages

of the agricultural value chain, from the production to the marketing”. He asserted that this

approach to improving the welfare of the farmer is holistic and involves the provision of

community asset development for the beneficiary communities or districts. Under the

programme, the communities are provided with electricity, roads, schools, potable water,

processing facilities and storage facilities such as cold stores to improve the shelf life of

perishable produce, etc. According to the officer, all of the project areas are geared towards

enhancing the profitability of commercial agriculture among small farmers or raise

agricultural production from subsistence level to commercial levels.

MiDA also provides credit facility to the farmers to help them invest in their farms. For

anybody to benefit from the credit facility and other MiDA facilities, the person should

satisfy the following requirements:

The person should be a member of a Farmer Based Organizations (FBO).

14 Ghana and the Millennium Challenge Corporation: Building Partnership for Poverty Reduction through EconomicGrowth, Fact Sheet, February 20th 2008.

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The person should take part in a six-week intensive training, which covers several

areas, such as book keeping, management and business development strategies. The

FBO can be formed on basis of gender or produce/product lines identified in the

agricultural value chain or any other acceptable basis for grouping. According to the

community project officer interviewed, any person with disability can join any FBO

in their community or PWDs in the communities can also form their own FBO and

access the benefits under the programmes and projects of MiDA.

The person must reside in the beneficiary community.

The FBO must have a democratically elected leadership and a bank account.

Beneficiaries of the credit facility do not provide any collateral security in order to access the

credit. The FBO serves as the guarantor for all members of the group, who benefit from the

facility.

It should be noted that the projects and programmes of MiDA do not have any special

package for PWDs. To this end, the officer opined:

“MiDA has no such facility for anyone. There is opportunity for anybody who is a farmer or wants

to go into farming and resides in any of the districts MiDA operates.


OPPORTUNITIES

PWDs could access their 2% share of the DACF. The disability movement should explore the

possibility of lobbying the Administrator of the DACF to deduct PWDs share of the funds into a

special accounts managed by the National Council on Disability (if is established) who will then

further disburse to PWDs at the various districts to carry out their programmes and activities upon

submission of their proposals.

The LEAP programmes have several opportunities for PWDs. This include:

- Offer of conditional and unconditional grants to PWDs.

- Support for PWDs to access existing government interventions or social protection strategies. PWDs in beneficiary communities under the Millennium Development Authorities Projects can

form FBOs to access several benefits such as credit for farming and infrastructural facilities for

agricultural production Entrepreneurial training for agri-business etc.

The NYEP have some quota system for PWDs which OPWD could access. OPWDS should make

follow up to access the quota giving to PWDs who are unemployed under the NYEP

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THE CULTURAL CONTEXT

4.1 Introduction

Culture is the totality of the way of life of people, which has been evolved through

experience and reflection in our attempt to fashion a harmonious co-existence with our

environment. The placement of persons or groups of persons in the Ghanaian society is

calved by culture. In this regard, this section examines disability issues in the context of

Ghanaian culture. The discussion highlights the threats and opportunities embroiled in the

Ghanaian culture, which affects the full participation and integration of PWDs in society.

The section begins with an overview of the regulatory and policy environments as it relate to

the Ghanaian culture. The section then examines the cultural construction of disability in

Ghana and narrows down to how PWDs in Ghana are affected by these constructions. The

impact of two main traditional institutions [i.e. the family /marriage and chieftaincy

institutions] on PWDs are examined to give readers the broader picture of how institutional

barriers, imposed by the Ghanaian culture, affect the everyday life of PWDs particularly

women with disabilities.

4.2 The Regulatory and Policy Environment

The Disability Act, 2006, gives PWDs the right to family and social activities, and the right to

differential treatment in respect of residence and the right against discrimination and

exploitation. Calling PWDs with derogatory names because of their disabilities is a

punishable offence under the Law.

The 1992 Constitution (Article 272) also enjoins the National House of chiefs to “undertake

an evaluation of traditional customs and usages with a view to eliminating those customs and

usages that are outmoded and socially harmful.” This provision is reinforced by article 26 (2)

which states that “All customary practices which dehumanize or are injurious to the physical

and mental well-being of a person are prohibited.”

SECTION 4

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The constitution further enjoins stakeholders to promote the positive side of our culture that

treats PWDs with dignity and respect. Article 39 (1) of the Constitution stipulates: Subject to

clause (2) of this article, the State shall take steps to encourage the integration of appropriate

customary values into the fabric of national life through formal and informal education and

the conscious introduction of cultural dimensions to relevant aspects of national planning.

In the policy front, the most significant policy instrument for review is the Ghana’s Cultural

Policy. The cultural policy sets out several objectives, providing direction to government

programmes on promoting traditional cultural values for development. Among those

objectives, the following are directly relevant to the current analysis of the disability situation

in Ghana:

To document and promote Ghana’s traditional cultural values, such as those enshrined

in the concepts of human dignity, self reliance and dignity of labour, and family,

community and national solidarity.

To eliminate, through public education, and appropriate legislation, cultural practices

that lead to the abuse of the rights of the individual on account of ethnic differences,

gender, age, religion, physical challenge or economic status.

If the above objectives are properly followed through implementing programmes necessitated

by the policy, the Ghanaian cultural milieu can become disability friendly. This will serve as

a major step to deal with the diverse culture-based problems affecting PWDs.

4.3 The Cultural Construction of Disability in Ghana

The Ghanaian culture like many other cultures is dynamic and gives order and meaning to

the social, political, economic, aesthetic and religious practices of the people, thereby carving

a distinct identity for them15. The culture manifests in their ideals and ideas, beliefs and

values, folklore, environment, science and technology; and in the forms of our political,

15Ghana Cultural Policy document

OPWDs may evoke these Constitutional and Legislative provisions to lobby the

traditional authorities to amend the necessary cultural practices they think ought

to change. OPWDs may also partner with both the national and regional House of

Chiefs to educate the general public about certain cultural misconception about

disability.

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social, legal and economic institutions. These have underpinned the primal customs and

traditions of Ghanaians.

The customs of Ghanaians are often passed on through the extended family. Customary

leaders or chiefs are given historical authority over tribe, family matters, and land usage.

Relationships within traditional Ghanaian society are based on family membership, inherited

status, and ancestral beliefs. As a result, even those who live primarily in the modern urban

setting remain bound to traditional society through the kinship system and are held to the

responsibilities that such associations entail.

The above cultural framework defines the placement of persons or homogenous groups in

the Ghanaian society and PWDs are not an exception. Persons with disabilities have been

given labels or tags. These tags or labels are inherently premised on the dominant cultural

mindset that marginalizes and constructs subjectivities about PWDs in Ghanaian society.

These tags are embroiled in the Ghanaian languages, which influences perception about

PWDs and the way we behave towards them. Persons who are tagged as disabled or

handicapped, epileptics, deaf, blind etc, often suffer debilitating consequences in society. In

this regard Kwadwo Appiagyei-Atua16 noted that:

“The idea that a person’s sin is responsible for his/her particular disability seems universal and

linked to the religio-cultural belief of a people. In many parts of Africa, culture, social status and

religious cosmology have interacted and influenced people’s perception and attitude towards

disability. … Consequently, the general treatment offered to PWDs has at best being to treat them

as charity cases, and at worst, been stigmatised, stereotyped and relegated to the fringes of society.”

Thus, disability in Ghana has been linked to cultural beliefs and myths that dehumanize

affected persons. For example, pregnant women in some part of Brong Ahafo region are

barred from eating fish caught from a river called ‘Nsuakoraa’17 The people in this area

believe that the river is a god and the fish are its children, and eating fish from this river will

result in miscarriages and ‘retarded’ children. People born with disabilities in this area receive

degrading labels and their parents become victims of isolation and mockery. Persons with

Down’s syndrome in Ghana are widely believed to be children given by river gods, and hence

they are called ‘Nsuoba’, meaning water children. Among the Akpafus in the Volta Region of

16Appiagyei-Atua, K. The new Disability Law in Ghana, the Way Forward. A speech delivered in the second annual

CHRAJ-GBA-CHRI Lectures on “Advancing Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Ghana

17Joseph S Agbenyega. The power of labeling discourse in the construction of disability in Ghana.Monash University

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Ghana, cataracts, or ‘kobi’ as it is known in the local language, is believed to be a punishment

from the gods for offences the victims or their family members have committed.

Disability is also seen in Ghana as a result of witchcraft, sorcery, ‘juju’ and magic. This belief

was however common among the less educated informants.

For example, a visually impaired informant actually noted his blindness was caused by a

spiritual animal he met on the farm. Some also believe that parents can exchange their child’s

body spiritually, with money such that the child becomes disabled. Consequently, a rich

family with a person with a disability is labeled “sikaduro” (juju wealth).

As the above example suggests, traditional beliefs about disability are powerful, and they

affect all aspects of human endeavor of the affected persons. Labels used in Ghana possess the

power to negate and to depict deficits, and to overshadow inherent potentials of the affected

person. Using of tags/labels have become instruments for defining characteristics of PWDs,

denying their complex whole and used to constantly remind them of their shortcomings.

Interviews with informants revealed that there are many derogatory words and expression

used in the community to tag PWDs. For example, people refer to the deaf as “animals” by

putting leaves in their mouths; others call them names such as “emum” (which means dumb),

“goat” etc. Some of them opined that people laugh and mock at them when they “talk” or

express themselves during communication.

In many several communities, physically disabled persons are variously referred to as “bafan”

and “appakye” (among the Akans), “afonlenle” (among the Ewes). Other names such as

“pozo” and “cripple” are common among several communities. The Akans refer to persons

with vision impairment as “nifrani”, which means blind man or woman. Many of the

informants interviewed indicated been indicated been called with these derogatory names.

Persons with ‘mental retardation’, as it is still called among Ghanaians, are the hardest hit

victims of labeling18. Two tribal groups, the Ewes and the Gas, refer to them as ‘Asotowo’,

and ‘Buluus’ meaning idiots or fools. The Akans label persons with intellectual disabilities as

‘Nea wanyin agya n’adwene ho’ which means ‘feeble minded’. In the tradition of the tribes,

these are abusive names, which are equated with insults. PWDs reaction to these derogatory

remarks takes many forms. While some indicated given warnings to those who called them

such names, others just ignored them. Some also reported expressing anger at such people and

18Joseph S Agbenyega. The power of labeling discourse in the construction of disability in Ghana.Monash University

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threatened to report such people to the Police.

This suggests that some PWDs are aware of

their rights under the law.

4.4 The Effect of Cultural Prejudice

on Social life of PWDs

The basic rights of PWDs in Ghana have been

grossly violated and opportunities for social

interaction, education, medical care have been

denied. The self-esteem of PWDs is very low

because of societal construction of disability.

For instance 67 percent of informants

indicated that they felt inferior to non-disabled persons (See Figure 7). When asked to explain

further, one physically disabled informant mentioned that:

“People tease and humiliate PWDs with all kind of derogatory language especially during

childhood. I dropped out of school in order to

avoid my mates from teasing me and this has

seriously affected my life.”

One hearing impaired informants also stated

that:

“They always regard me as low class person”.

Many of the informants interviewed

narrated similar experiences to the above

testimony. Others said, they are shy and

timid to mingle with people especially non-

disabled persons as a result of the teasing and

mockery they experienced especially in their

childhood days.

The extent of inadequacy was also found to be severe among women with disabilities than

men. Out of the 54 respondents who indicated that they fee unequal (inferior) to non-

disabled persons 72 percent were females compared to 28 percent males (see Figure 8).

0

5

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

45

Males Females

Figure 8: Do you feel unequal to non-disabled persons ? Sex Crosstabulation

Yes

No

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

Blind Deaf Physically Disab

Figure 7: Do you feel unequal to non-disabled persons ?

Yes

No

Somehow

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The violation of the rights of PWDs at the family level, however, depends on the family

background of the PWDs both in terms of socio-economic status and extent of exposure to

modern principles of human rights. In this sense, the survival of the PWDs, to a very large

extent, depends on the compassion of their immediate family members rather than any

support by any state institution. In the event where PWDs do not chance on family members

of good compassion, their lives usually become quite miserable. An informant of GSPD sums

up the problem as:

“…this situation is very disturbing especially in the absence of an effective institutional framework

for monitoring and follow-up on the conditions of disabled persons. There is also always high degree

of arbitrariness in the way in which PWDs are treated by their families and other members of our

society”.

PWDs are generally prevented by the Ghanaian culture from participating in reciprocal

relationships even where they are able to perform normal activities. As a result, they are

denied the right to enforce the status and respect required for recognition, and this limits

them from functioning normally. Hence, it is not the disability of the PWD that prevents

him/her from functioning normally, but instead, the artificial disabilities created by society,

which are used as justification to exclude and discriminate against PWDs”. This is exemplified

by the testimony given by a physically disabled informant interviewed. She said that:

“People seem to have too much sympathy for me and are usually too quick to offer help in a lot of

things I can do by myself. I think they behave this way because of the belief that PWDs are

‘disabled’”.

4.5 The Effects of Cultural Prejudice on the Marriage Institution

Ghanaian culture underscores the societal perception that PWDs are outcasts. Although,

current awareness through education has blunted this perception, many people in our society

still feel uncomfortable to develop intimate relationships with PWDs. The situation of

WWDs on marriage is much worse than their male counterparts. For example, about two-

thirds of the WWD interviewed from the pilot districts were single compared to only one-

third of men with disability. Many of these WWDs were however single mothers as their

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male counterpart refused to marry them after getting them pregnant. WWD narrated her

ordeal as:

“I was impregnated by a non-disabled person, who had already promised to marry me. When I

informed him about the pregnancy, he denied responsibility, abandoned me and squashed all the

marital plans I had with him.”

Some unscrupulous men take undue advantage of WWDs, put them in a family way and deny

responsibility. They noted that some men feel shy to make their relationship with them

public and this explains their unwillingness to accept responsibilities. This problem can be

associated with the fact that our culture, which downplays the humanness of PWDs, deters

their suitors from marrying them. Many WWDs interviewed reported various cases of

marriage disappointments similar to those described above. A female physically challenged

informant recounted her experience as:

“Having done a lot of preparations for my marriage ceremony, the family of my fiancé stopped him

from marrying because I am physically disabled.”

In the Ghanaian culture, marriage is much more than just the union between two consenting

adults. It is regarded as a union between the families of the two people. Hence, the choice of

one’s partner is not the sole prerogative of the person but a major concern of all members of

his/her family. Many people in Ghana seem to frown on marriage with PWDs because of the

cultural beliefs and myths about disability. As a result, people are rarely encouraged by their

family members, especially parents, to marry PWDs.

4.6 Traditional Institutionalized Structures and PWDs

Chiefs are highly recognized in Ghana and chiefs are actively involved in settling disputes

through adjudicating violations of customary law and tradition. The role of the chief in

traditional and modern society is very significant in the maintenance of cultural values and

social norms. These values and norms underpin social cohesion and order in Ghanaian

society particularly local communities. Chiefs, thus uphold stability in localities, but their

mode of selection and customs associated with the institution is seen as a tools of social

exclusion particularly against PWDs.

The principles for electing chiefs in Ghana are selective. Chiefs are chosen from a restricted

number of royal lineages. Eligible candidates are elected by kingmakers and they are

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eventually approved by the people and exercise their powers within a system of checks and

balances. In both patrilineal and matrilineal societies, the chieftaincy institution is,

traditionally, male dominated. Apart from the exclusion of non-royal citizens from being

selected as traditional rulers, there are other members of the society who are completely

barred from being chiefs. Any person with disability is not permitted to become a chief. It is

believed that people with such challenges are cursed by the gods, and cannot perform the

religious functions as a chief. In some time past, it was deemed inappropriate for chiefs to

even have personal interactions (such as handshakes) with PWDs in certain communities.

The social exclusion perpetuated by the chieftaincy institution towards PWDs seems to be

waning down. In recent times, the attitude of traditional rulers towards PWDs seems to be

changing for the better. An interview with key informants (i.e. chiefs and some PWDs)

revealed that some PWDs have cordial relationships with some chiefs and have access to them

even in public. One of them hinted that her work require working with chiefs from different

traditional areas. But she has never received bad treatment from any of these chiefs. Her

testimony clearly echoes the fact that PWDs are gaining some form of acceptance in the

chieftaincy institution- but not at the level where they can occupy stools.

As stated earlier, the chieftaincy institution is duly recognized by the Constitutions with the

mandate to modify any cultural practices that is socially harmful to the wellbeing of the

people. The national and regional House of Chiefs meets regularly to deliberate on issues

affecting the chieftaincy institution.

OPWDs may partner the National House of Chiefs at both the district and national level to advocate

for changes in certain cultural practices that affect their everyday life. Thus OPWDs may sensitize

and lobby traditional rulers to educate their subjects (communities) during annual festive occasions on

the causes of disability and the need for the larger society to treat PWDs with equal dignity and

respect. This will help reduce the stigma and myth on disability. Annual festive messages coming

from traditional rulers will have greater impact than it would have come from PWDs themselves as

many people have much respect for their traditional rulers. To achieve this goal, the disability

movement may design a national advocacy strategy where every traditional leader will be engaged

(through the national and regional House of Chiefs) to include in their annual festivals or community

gathering, a message of inclusion of PWDs into society. To ensure consistency of message from the

traditional rulers, OPWDs may develop the advocacy messages for these chiefs. There should be

regular monitoring of the various festivals and community gathering at the various cities, town and

villages so that Chiefs can be reminded to include disability messages in their communication to their

people.

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OPPORTUNITIES:

The traditional institutional structures such as the National house of chiefs have been mandated

by the 1992 constitution to amend any cultural practices that are inhumane. PWDs could

partner the traditional rulers to address the issues of discrimination and other inhumane cultural

practices that affect them.

The chieftaincy institution is becoming disability friendly as such OPWDs could develop

partnership with them to fight the cultural discrimination against them

BARRIERS/ THREATS

There is still high level of discrimination against PWDs

Labeling of PWDs is pervasive in Ghana

Cultural beliefs and myths about disability still have deep roots in Ghana.

The Ghanaian culture makes it difficult for PWDs to get married. This is much worse for

WWDs.

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THE SOCIAL CONTEXT

5.1 Introduction

The previous section reviews the cultural environment of the disability situation in Ghana. It

provided the cultural discourse of disability in Ghana and evaluated how PWDs are affected

by these cultural beliefs and practices. The present section reviews the social situation and

how social institutions meet the needs of PWDs. The sections in particular presents the

educational, health, sports and mobility picture of PWDs and highlights the opportunities

and barriers to influencing polices.

5.2 The Social Reality of PWDs in Ghana – a Pattern of Social Exclusion

The Ghana 2007 Human Development report defines social exclusion as the

“limited/inequitable opportunities and capabilities to participate in decision making, gain

access to meaningful livelihood opportunities and social services due to discriminatory

institutional practices in the political, economic and social spheres based on gender, ethnicity,

geographical location, age, income status, health status, educational attainment, and

disability” p12. Social exclusion has several sources or comes in various forms. People can be

excluded on the basis of gender, age, tribe, and more importantly on the basis of disability,

whether physical or mental.

In Ghana, persons with disabilities are among the most excluded19. Disability has been found

to be a common source of social exclusion. Both physical and mental disabilities have been

treated as reasons for isolation in Ghanaian societies20. Persons with disabilities in Ghana are

seen as a burden to their families and the larger society. They are perceived as incapable of

achieving anything meaningful in society and are excluded from every aspect of social life.

Moreover, as indicated earlier in this report, disability in traditional Ghanaian societies has

led to isolation and confinement of the affected persons.

Recently, however, the unhealthy attitude towards PWDs seems to be changing for the

better. Thanks to OPWDs and international organizations and, perhaps, the state for

strengthened advocacy aimed at disabusing minds of people about societal misconstruction

about disability. Gradually, people are recognizing the fact that PWDs also have abilities, and

19Human development Report, 2007, p.15

20 Human Development Report 2007 p.16

SECTION 5

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deserve all the rights to participate fully in their societies, as do able-bodied persons. The pace

of change is however slow. Thus, although exclusion against PWDs has reduced a little as a

result of modernity and education, persons with disability still face a number of challenges at

various stages and levels of social interaction.

5.2.1 Exclusion at the Family Level

At the individual level, PWDs have to contend with daily routines of providing for their

basic needs such as food, water and sanitation. Although no mention was made of the denial

of these basic needs at the household level, many informants recounted their daily challenges

in meeting these survival needs. Informants who do not have toilet facilities at their residence

have to rely on public toilets [which have no provision for persons with disabilities].This

traditional types of latrines which lack basic hygiene, as a result of scarcity of water pose

serious threats to health. PWDs particularly women with severe mobility problems reported

contracting infectious diseases through use of public toilets facilities.

It was observed for example that about two-thirds of informants hailed from low income

families. In situations where resource is a constraint at the household level, PWDs reported

that opportunities are given to their non-disabled siblings, to their detriment. The usual

reasons given at the family level is that their [PWDs] non-disabled siblings will in the future

take care of them. This reinforces the charity model of disability, which is embedded in

Ghanaian societies.

The level of support that PWDs may receive however depends on the family resource base.

PWDs that come from poor family background are more likely to drop out of school than

those with strong family support.

A classical example is the case of Afia who resides in Ho in the Volta Region and is physically

disabled. Afia’s father is a traditional chief and the mother is gainfully employed. According

to Afia, her parents gave her all the needed support for her to attend school and was able to

complete Primary, Junior and High School and the Polytechnic without any difficulties

whatsoever. Afia is gainfully employed and married with 2 children.

Adwoa’s story rather portrays a counterfactual scenario to Afia’s story. Adwoa is a

physically disabled woman from a suburb of Somanya in the Eastern Region. Born into a low

income family, Adwoa could not get the opportunity to have any formal education. She lost

her mother at age 4 and had to live with relatives. According to her, her family looks down

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upon her and treats her like an outcast. She never got the chance to go to school and is

presently a petty trader. The absence of any form of institutional support further complicated

Adowa’s situation.

Many of the PWDs interviewed have had to endure socio-economic circumstances similar to

Adwoa’s story. Family neglect and lack of support from the state agencies have led to many

of them not having access to education and wallowing in destitution.

5.2.2 Exclusion at Community Level

Discrimination or stigmatization against PWDs does not only happen at the family level.

PWDs who attend mainstream school report being labeled with all kind of names. The

labeling usually takes place in the school environment, thus further isolating them from

participating actively in class. According to informants, pupils who are constructed as

disabled in the school environment through labeling are not perceived as “real” people, and

this stigma remains on them throughout their life in society.21 Some pupils who are labeled as

disabled drop out of school whiles those who experience excessive failures in the mainstream

schools have no other choice than to be recommended to the rehabilitation centers or to

abandon school altogether.

PWDs also face isolation at the community level. Some physically disabled informants

reported that children look strangely at them any time they see them and they sometimes run

away when they bump into them. These embarrassing situations have confined many PWDs

to their homes. Families were also found to be over-protective by their disabled relatives thus

further isolating them from the larger society. It was thus reported by some WWDs that they

were not allowed to attend certain social gathering even if they wish to, because their parents

think that they may be injured. These practices have further weakened the already low self-

esteem among persons with disabilities.

5.2.3 Exclusion at the Institutional Level

Weak institutional support has further compounded the plight of PWDs in Ghana.

Institutions such as the department of social welfare, the labour department, education and

health have exhibited inadequacies in responding to the needs of PWDs. There is no

unemployment benefit for PWDs in Ghana. Although PWDs have been included in the

21 Joseph Agbenyega, the Power of labeling discourse in the construction of disability in Ghana ,Monash University.

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recently introduced social support porgramme such as the LEAP22, its impact is yet to be seen

as the programme is now being piloted in some districts. There are institutional barriers for

PWDs in accessing credit, healthcare, education, and other public places23. Borrowing HDR

(2007) words ‘where there are weak institutional mechanisms for addressing the needs of

disadvantaged groups and people suffering from temporary shocks. Vulnerability quickly sets

in if such shocks are not addressed and this lays the basis for long term exclusion”

The private sector has also contributed to the exclusion of PWDs in the Ghanaian society.

Many programmes and facilities that are provided by the private sector do not take the plight

of the disabled into accounts. For example, the telecommunication sector has been given

discount on voice calls to all customers but no discount has ever been provided on text

messaging which is the major source of communication by the deaf and hearing impaired.

5.3 The Health Situation

This section reviews issues relating to PWD and healthcare. It examines the legislative and

policy positions on these issues. It looks at the issue of PWDs access to healthcare and health

facilities. The opportunities and barriers for advocacy are highlighted.

5.3.1 Health Policy Context

Section 31-35 of the Disability Act 2006 provides for the health care needs of PWDs. The Act

obliges the Ministry of Health to provide free specialist medical treatment for PWDs with

severe disability and to include disability issues in the training of health professionals. The

provisions are limited to only PWDs with severe disability and as such, PWDs whose

disability(s) may not be severe but need those services cannot be treated free under the law.

22 LEAP [Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty] is a social support programme in which cash handout are given to themost vulnerable groups in the Ghanaian society.23 The nature and extent of institutional barriers have been fully discussed in relevant sections in this report.

The disability movement may therefore press for a legislative instrument that is more inclusive

and capture PWDs who are unemployed and whose disability may not fall under the severe

bracket. The severe clause should not be allowed to hold as there are many PWDs whose

disability may not be severe but do not have any employer able skills or support to meet their daily

healthcare and other survival needs.

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The Disability Act further requires the Ministry of Health to include disability issues in

healthcare programmes. This provision presents a long term advocacy opportunities to

OPWDs. It will help broaden the understanding of health care professionals on disability

issues and reduce naivety. This will

however take time to materialize

considering the bureaucratic process that is

associated with changing academic

curricular.

The Ministry of Health is also required to

collaborate with the Department of Social

Welfare to conduct periodic health

screening to detect, prevent and manage

disabilities.

The law also calls for the establishment of assessment centers in all the ten regions of Ghana

to provide for early and diagnostic medical attention for infant mothers and infants to

determine the existence or onset of disability. This a potent advocacy issue which the

disability movement may consider in the short medium and long term. The cost involved in

setting up these centres may be high and as such the disability movement may have to do

intensive lobbying and high level advocacy at the presidency and with other international

donor agencies that can bring pressure to bear on the government to adhere to the provision

of the disability Act.

The Ghana National Health Policy document 2007, acknowledges the growing trend in the

number of PWDs in Ghana24. The policy document recognizes the fact that inadequate

attention has been given to the rehabilitation of the disabled in society who are about 2

million people in Ghana. By this recognition, OPWDs could make a sound case for the

establishment of the assessment centres to help in the early detection and treatment of certain

forms of disabilities. OPWDs would have no difficulties convincing the authorities about

problem as it has duly been recognized.

The National Health Policy document was premised on the fact that by promoting the

health and the nutritious status of the entire population, preventing diseases and injuries and

24National Health Policy (2007), Creating wealth through the Ministry of Health, Accra, Ghana Sept. 2007

OPWDs may issue press statements, and embark

on media advocacy effort to bring pressure to

bear on these institutions to carry out their

responsibilities under the law. Consistent media

advocacy would yield results in the long term

although resource constraints at the Ministry

may thwarts the achievement of the objectives in

the short medium term.

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maintaining health, and restoring the health of the sick and disabled, the country can make

savings on resources otherwise spent on treating preventable and avoidable diseases.

In addition to the National Health Policy, Ghana has a National Health Insurance Scheme

(NHIS) established by Act [650]. Health insurance is part of a broader policy to improve

access to health care for the poor and improve financial sustainability of the health system. In

particular, the NHIS is intended to abolish user-fees (or cash and carry) system, which limits

access to health services for the poor. These user fees are thought to have contributed to

recent stagnation in key health indicators in Ghana.

5.3.2 Healthcare Needs of PWDs

Apart from the basic health care needs of every citizen, PWDs have particular health needs.

These ranges from physiotherapy services for the physically disabled, corrective surgery for

children with disabilities, and adaptation and care support services for children born with

disabilities. PWDs also need some assistive gadgets such as calipers and wheelchairs for the

physically disabled, hearing aid for the hearing impaired and white canes and optical services,

sunglasses for the visually impaired. The albinos also have difficulties accessing

dermatological services. According to them, these specialist medical services are limited and

very expensive. Sunburn creams are also difficult to access in the market and are expensive as

well. Assessment centres for PWDs are also non -existent.

It was acknowledged (by policymakers) and confirmed (by PWDs) that the present health

policy and the NHIS do not cater for these particular health care needs of PWDs. Corrective

surgery can be done on some children born with disabilities to reduce or eliminate their

form of disability if the health system caters for some of these particular healthcare needs.

The Disability Act 2006, however, addresses some of the issues if implemented according to

the letter and intent of the law. Section 31 of the Act mandates the Ministry of Health to

formulate polices that provide for “free general and specialist medical care, rehabilitative

operation treatment and appropriate assistive devices for persons with total disability”. The Act

also provides for the setting up of Assessment Centres by the Ministry of Health in

collaboration with other stakeholders, namely the District Assembly and the Department of

Social welfare to establish and operate health assessment and resource centres in each district

and ‘provide early diagnostic medical attention to mothers and infants to determine the existence

or onset of disabilities” (section 35).

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5.3.3 Access to Health Care

Access to health care in Ghana is generally inadequate particularly in deprived and rural areas

and the poor suffer from the catastrophic cost of ill health both from the cost of accessing

services and from productive days lost.

PWDs face double challenge when it comes to accessing health care. Whiles the Ghana

Disability Policy and the Disability Act (2006) enjoin the Government to ensure access to

effective healthcare and adequate medical rehabilitation service, a number of constraints

remain.

There are no special provisions for PWDs under the National Health Insurance Scheme. The

scheme only makes provision for people who are identified as core poor or indigent (i.e.

adults and unemployed who do not receive any consistent financial support from identifiable

sources). These categories of persons are exempted from contributing to any District Mutual

Health Insurance Scheme. This implies that PWDs can only access health care under the

NHIS if they are classified as extremely poor and/or do not have any sources of financial

support.

It is noteworthy that many PWDs have trouble in their attempt to register under the

exemption category. Registration officials turn some PWDs away when they try to register

under the scheme.

Persons with visual impairment who are on drugs for the treatment of Glaucoma for example

indicated finding it difficult to buy such drugs, as the NHIS does not cover such treatment.

An interview with some PWDs revealed that the treatment of the disease [which is caused by

intra ocular on the eye] requires a monthly medical treatment to minimize such pressure. It

costs about GH¢50 per month to get such treatment which is out of reach to many PWDs

who because of their disability are unemployed. Statistic indicates that there are over 500,000

persons living with Glaucoma in Ghana25 and accessible healthcare could reduce the

occurrence of many of them becoming totally blind. According to interviews with some key

informants, if government could secure fund to offer free maternal healthcare to pregnant

women, it could do the same for persons suffering from glaucoma and other related diseases.

25 Dr Oscar Debrah, Head, National Eye Care Unit of the Ghana Health Service. A speech read on behalf of the sectorMinister on the launch of Glaucoma Week in Accra. The statesman, 25th October 2008/ GNA 24th October 2008.

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There is no special provision in the NHIS or the Ghana Health Policy (2007) which caters for

the particular health care needs of PWDs in Ghana. Thus, any PWD whose ailment falls

outside the benefit package, under the NHIS, has to pay for such medical treatment even if

he/she is classified as indigent. Policymakers cited the issue of high cost of treatment for

certain diseases hence their exclusion from the benefit package. Some of the diseases currently

not covered are optical aids, hearing aids, orthopaedic aids, dentures, beautification surgery,

supply of AIDS drugs, treatment of chronic renal failure, heart and brain surgery,

autoimmune diseases, physiotherapy services, corrective surgery etc. The stakeholders,

however, acknowledge the difficulties facing PWDs and hinted that the NHIS policy is under

review and that PWDs should tender their concerns for consideration by the government.

5.3.4 Access to Health Facilities

Many hospitals, especially health facilities are not disabled friendly. Apart from the problem

of lack of access for wheelchair users in some public hospitals, many persons with physical

disabilities find it difficult climbing onto medical examination beds because they are too high.

The deaf do not receive the desired medical attention due to misinterpretation of sign

language by doctors. The national Health Policy does not make provision for sign language

interpreters to be stationed in hospitals to attend to the healthcare needs of the deaf or

hearing impaired. There is no special training for medical and health professional in sign

language. Section 32 of the Disability Act 2006, however, enjoins the Ministry of Health to

include in their curricula the study of disability and disability related issues to equip health

care professionals with the necessary skills to handle disability issues. This is yet to filter

through.

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B5.4 The Educational Picture

The section reviews the educational situation of PWDs. It analyses the policy context as it

relates to education and then examines the level of PWDs access to education. The operations

of rehabilitation centres are also examined.

5.4.1 Educational Policy Context

The Government of Ghana since independence in 1957 has viewed education as a

fundamental human right of all children of school going age. This is contained in the

Education Act of 1961, which states:


OPPORTUNITIES:

The disability Act 2006 clearly contains provisions that provide PWDs access to healthcare.OPWDs could press for :

the establishment of health assessment centers in all regions and subsequentlydistricts in Ghana

granting of exemptions on imported assistive devices

Development of LI on free medical care

The training of more orthopedic professionals and provide at least one orthopedichospital in each region.

The National Health policy (2007) recognizes the health predicament of PWDs

The National Health Insurance Scheme has provision for the vulnerable or poor to register free and

PWDs could take advantage.

The NHIS policy document is said to be under review and OPWDs should quickly make their

concerns known.

BARRIERS/ THREATS

Legislative Instrument (LI) on how the provision in the disability Act 2006 will be implemented

has not yet been developed.

The Disability Act does not provide free specialist health care for all PWDs. Only persons with

severe (total) disabilities will be assisted free.

Many PWDs who fall within the category of indigents still have difficulties in enrolling on the

NHIS scheme at the district level.

The NHIS do not have specific policies for PWDs to access specialist health care treatment.

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“Every child who has attained the school going age as determined by the Minister shall attend a

course of instruction as laid down by the Minister in a school recognised for the purpose by the

Minister (Ghana Education Service (GES), 2004, p. 2).

The 1992 Constitution of Ghana further guarantees every citizen’s right to education. In

particular, Article 25[1] of the 1992 Constitution states that:

“All persons shall have the right to equal educational opportunities and facilities and with a view

to achieving the full realization of that right”.

The Children’s Act 1998 (Act 560) clearly spells out the rights of children with disabilities

that:

“A disabled child has a right to special care, education and training wherever possible to develop his

maximum potential and be self-reliant” (Section 8)

The Disability Act (2006) further strengthens the right to education of children with

disability by legally binding parents and guardians of children with disability to send such

children to school, the failure of which they will be liable to criminal proceedings under the

law. The statutes of the Republic of Ghana are thus clear on the educational rights of persons

with disabilities. PWDs under the law cannot be refused admissions into mainstream schools

on accounts of their disability except where such a child has been assessed by the appropriate

agencies (i.e. the Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare)

and certifies that such a child be placed in special school (section 20).

To make teachers with expertise in sign language, braille writing and reading available in

mainstream schools, each educational, vocational and technical training institution in each

region of Ghana is supposed to have in their curricula sign language and braille reading and

writing progrmmes. All public libraries are also to be fitted with disability friendly learning

materials and equipments. The Legislative Instruments (LI) have not been developed and

hence PWDs are unable to enjoy the benefit made under the Act.

As a short term measure the disability movement may call for the development of all the LI’s on the

disability Act 2006 and systematically press for the implementation of the relevant section of the Act.

The advocacy issue calling for the development of the LI is worth pursing as without it nothing could be

realistically achieved in the policy advocacy front. The issues of training of teachers in sign language

and brialle writing and reading may be pursued as a medium to long terms advocacy issues after the LI

have been developed.

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In the educational policy front, the Special Education Division of the Ghana Education

Service is responsible for formulating policies that ensure social inclusion and quality

education for PWDs at the pre-university level of education. The Ghana Education Service

runs schools for the blind, the deaf and the mentally retarded at all the pre-university levels.

The physically disabled are educated in the mainstream schools. The Ministry of Manpower

Youth and Employment and the Department of Social Welfare runs rehabilitation centres in

all regional capitals which provide training facilities for the physically disabled persons aged

17-40 years26.

Presently, there is a government policy intention of moving towards inclusive education

where PWDs will attend mainstream schools. This is captured in the Ministry of Education

Youth and Sports Educational Strategic Plan (2003-2015). The Ghana Education Service

(GES) and the British VSO have developed a project for moving towards a more inclusive

educational system. Interview with stakeholders in the sector revealed that the project is

presently being piloted at five districts, namely New Juaben, Bole Bamboi, Ho, Birim South,

and Damango and was scheduled to end in September. Yet, there is no specific timeframe

within which the main programmes will be rolled out.

An informant at GNAD however kicked against the concept of inclusive educationparticularly for the deaf, lamenting that it does not match the need and wishes of Deaf.He argues that the deaf have been advocating adequate special schools both at the nationaland international level. The Salamanca Statement of UNESCO states27:

“Educational policies should take full account of individual differences and situations. Theimportance of sign language as the medium of communication among the deaf, for example,should be recognized and provision made to ensure that all deaf persons have access to educationin their national sign language. Owing to the particular communication needs of deaf anddeaf/blind persons, their education may be more suitably provided in special schools or specialclasses and units in mainstream schools”.

The educational policy is vague on the identification procedures for children who qualify for

special needs services, and how the services should be provided. The assessment centres are

urban-based and the experts to carry out these assessments are short in supply. This creates

situations where children with disabilities are not identified early enough to be supported.

26 The rehabilitation centers and the efficiency relating to the management of these centers have been discussed in detail atpage. 4527

The Salamanca Statement and Framework for Action on Special Needs Education, adopted by the World Conference onSpecial Needs Education : Access and quality, (Salamanca, Spain, 10 June 1994)

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5.4.2 Access to Education

The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS1998/99) has defined access to education as having a school

facility within 1 kilometer radius from one’s place of residence. There are regional disparities

in terms of access to basic education. The three northern regions are worst off compared to

their southern counterparts when it comes to access to education. According to the Ghana

2007 Human Development report , the Upper East Region has the poorest access to primary

education (61.9 percent) followed by the Upper West Region (67.1 percent). The factors that

account for the low access to primary education in the three northern regions according to

the HDR include sparse population distribution, poverty and the general deprivation in most

areas.

There are also differences between rural and urban areas when it comes to access to

education. Urban areas have better access to primary education than rural areas (93.2%

compared to 81.0 percent respectively)28

Access to secondary education is more limited than primary education. According to the

HDR (2007), the national average for access to secondary school is 43.3 percent, but it is even

worse for the northern regions which average 15.5 percent. In terms of rural urban

differences, only 28.8 percent of children in rural areas have access to secondary education

compared to 62.6 percent of children living in urban centers.

For persons with disabilities, access to education is even more limited. Statistics shows that

there are about 679,000-804,000 children with disabilities in Ghana. Out of this number only

6 percent of the populations of these children receive any form of education. The remaining

94 percent representing about 629,800-755,760 children with disability are out of school29.

This suggests that most PWDs do not have access to education.

28 Ghana Human Development Report 2007 .p2929 The Basic Education Division, Ghana Education Service (2004). The Development of Education, National Report onGhana. A report presented by the Government of Ghana at the International Conference on Education

The Disability Act 2006 however calls for the establishment of these Assessment Centres in

all the regions but this is yet to be actualized. OPWDs could begin to engage the

government to adhere to this section of the Act. The continuous engagement with policy

makers could realistically yield the needed results in the medium –long term.

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Interviews with cross section of PWDs in the pilot districts revealed that many PWDs had

attended basic school but could either not complete or continue their education (See Figure

9). As the results shows, 65 percent of

informants interviewed had up to

secondary education. Thirteen percent of

informants could not get the opportunity

to attend formal education while 29.8

percent dropped out of school after

Junior High School. Informant cited a

number of reasons as follows:

Many physically disabled had to

abandon school because of long

distance of commuting from home

to schools.

Many PWDs did not get the

necessary family support (in terms

of material and emotional support)

to attend school and /or further their education.

Some informants abandoned their education due to serious discrimination from peers

and teachers alike. Some PWDs reported been called derogatory names by their peers

and sometimes teachers.

Some PWDs reported been shy of their disability and felt uncomfortable among their

peers; hence their decision to stop attending school.

Some PWDs cited the lack of access to school buildings hence discouraging them from

attending school.

Special schools for the deaf and the blind are very limited in Ghana thus further

compounding their life chances.

Statistics show that there are 10 residential primary and junior secondary schools for the

deaf, 1 primary and junior secondary day school and 1 residential senior secondary technical

school in Ghana. These institutions use the regular school curriculum. All subjects are

studied, with the exception of Ghanaian languages and French. Assessment of pupils and

students are the same as in regular schools. Total enrolment is 2054, made up of 65.4 percent

13.7

29.8

21.824.1

10.3

No formaledu.

Basic edu. Secondary Voca/Tech Tertiaryeduc.

Figure 9: Educational level of PWDs

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of boys and 34.6 percent of girls30. This suggests that 3-5 percent of children with hearing

impairment have access to education compared to the national average of 6 percent for

PWDs. For females with hearing impairment, the situation is quite worrisome given their

present enrolment rate.

There are 2 residential primary and junior secondary schools for the blind. In addition,

Resource Centres for the Blind have been established in three regular primary and junior

secondary schools, two in teacher training colleges and four in tertiary institutions. The

regular school curriculum is used in all basic schools. At the senior secondary, training college

and university levels, all subjects of the regular schools are studied, with the exception of

mathematics and science. Total enrolment is 385 made up of 66 percent of boys and 34

percent of girls31.

The mentally handicapped also have two private schools, which cater for their educational

needs. In addition, two units have been established within the schools for the deaf to address

the educational needs of the mentally handicapped. A special curriculum, adapted to the

abilities of the individual child, has been developed for their use. Total enrolment is 326

representing 59.5 percent of boys and 40.1 percent of girls.

The deaf are most deprived when it comes to access to tertiary education. Whiles there are

some special schools for the deaf at the pre-university level, many hearing impaired are

unable to access tertiary education due to the communication barrier and the high cost of

delivering tuition to the deaf. According to an administrator of GNAD, it cost three or four

times more to educate one with severe hearing impairment. To educate such an individual at

the tertiary level of education, the scenario is that he/she needs one note-taker, two sign

language interpreters and a tutor/lecturer. This makes delivery of tuition very expensive to

them. However, the president of GNAD, who is hearing impaired, has been able to access

tertiary education amid these difficulties. He just graduated from the University of Ghana.

30 UNESCO IBE – World Data on Education, Ghana http://www.ibe.unesco.org

31 UNESCO IBE – World Data on Education, Ghana http://www.ibe.unesco.org

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Information and Communication Technology have not been explored to enhance the deaf‘s

access to tertiary education. This could be done by making all the course models at the

university level in visual format with sign language inserts. The deaf could therefore access

this information from a special computer

laboratory with large screen. The

programme could be designed with a

feedback system where the student with

hearing impairment could ask the virtual

tutor/lecturer any question for response.

This programme could be delivered across

many centres in tertiary institutions in

Ghana thus solving the problem of getting

many interpreters for one student with

hearing impairment.32

Although education is supposed to be free for PWDs at the higher level, some PWDs

indicated finding it difficult to pay for the user fees which are charged by the various schools.

The disability movement could petition the Ministry of Education and the GES to waive the

payment of user fees by PWDs. This could be achieved if the disability movement makes a

strong petition to the government explaining how the payment of user fees is affecting the

PWDs access to education.

It is noteworthy that GES acknowledged the challenges facing PWDs in accessing education.

These acknowledged challenges are33:

Public prejudiced perception of persons with special needs;

Architectural barriers;

Inadequate assessment facilities;

Inaccessible curriculum;

Curriculum inflexibility;

Inadequate structures or funds for pre-/post –training programmes to equip regular

teachers with the skills to respond to children with special needs.

32 This is the author’s conception of how education could be made accessible to persons with hearingimpairment. Further research could be done on the feasibility and modality of this concept.

33The Basic Education Division, Ghana Education Service (2004). The Development of Education, National Report on

Ghana. A report presented by the Government of Ghana at the international Conference on Education

The disability movement may approach the

Ministry of Education, IT Firms and donor

agencies to develop and pilot this concept. This can

be a long term advocacy issue for members of

GNAD and the disability movement in their effort

to address the problem of lack of access to

education by the deaf and the hearing impaired.

Realistically results could not be achieved with this

short period but broader consultations could begin.

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Despite the problem of architectural barriers which many PWDs face, Most schools funded

with the proceeds from the Heavily Indebted Poor Country (HIPIC) initiative are

inaccessible to the PWDs (SEND, 2007). In Southern Ghana, for example, none of the HIPIC

funded schools was found to be disabled friendly while only three of such projects in schools

at Northern Ghana are accessible to PWDs. This shows the extent of inaction on the part of

policy makers in addressing issues concerning PWDs. OPWDs should cite this as an example

of government non responsiveness to the plight of PWDs.

5.5 Rehabilitation of PWDs

The Ministry of Manpower, Youth and Employment (MMYE) and the Department of Social

Welfare runs rehabilitation centres in all the 10 regional capitals (except Upper West region)

which provide training facilities for all persons with disabilities aged 17-40 years. These

centres were established before the creation of the Upper west Region. PWDs are trained in

carpentry, shoemaking, and craft work and tailoring. It was revealed during interview with

key informants that plans are underway to include more marketable programme such as

electronics repairs and computing.

To prevent the reoccurrence of some of these policy omissions, the disability movement

may set up a policy monitoring team which will monitor government policies and

programmes at both the planning and implementation stage. This would ensure that the

needs of PWDs are factored into each programme and policies of the government. The

advocacy committees of OPWDs may issue regular position paper on specific government

programmes and policies and follow it up with intensive lobbying and media advocacy to

ensure that each government programmes and activities mirrors their concerns.

This suggests that policymakers are fully aware of the enormous challenges facing PWDs in

the area of access to education. As a point of departure, the disability movement could

strongly push for the enforcement of the various provisions made in the disability Act that

addresses most of the challenges acknowledged above. They may form key alliances with the

media and major foreign donors to the educational budget to pressure the government to

address the educational challenges acknowledged above. This could be part of a short,

medium and long term advocacy effort of the disability movement. Continuous engagement

with stakeholders on these issues will yield results in the longer term.

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Our field interview reveals that twenty two percent of informants have received training at

the rehabilitation centres before. Out of this number only three were using the skills learnt

from the rehabilitation centre for their livelihood. Informants indicated that they do not have

the resources to set themselves up in business after been trained at these centres. It also

became known that the programmes being offered at these centres are not marketable and

trainees find it difficult practicing their profession after graduating from the rehabilitation

centres. Furthermore, rehabilitation takes place outside the community where PWDs reside

and they indicated finding it difficult marketing themselves after they have moved back to

their communities as many members of their communities are unable to identify them by

their learned profession. An informant at the Department of Social Welfare opined that

community based rehabilitation is the key to full integration of PWDs in society instead of

the present rehabilitation centres which are urban based.

Our finding also indicates that the government has piloted Community Based Rehabilitation

(CBR) programmes since 1992 but this programme is presently nonexistent.


OPPORTUNITIES:

The Education Act 1961, the 19992 Constitution and the Persons with Disabilities Act 2006 make

clear provisions on the disabled access to education. OPWDs could press for:

- The development of the development of all the LI’s on the disability Act 2006 that call for the

training institution in each region of Ghana to have in their curricula sign

language and braille reading and writing progrmmes

OPWDs could also press for the setting up of assessment centre in all districts for early

identification of disabilities among children.

Government acknowledges low participation of Children with Disabilities in education and for

that matter opposition to any advocacy effort on this subject will be low.

BARRIERS/ THREATS

Discrimination which still potent at the family level and school and the community

environment will frustrate any legislative or policy intentions if not addressed.

ICT has not been employed in making education accessible to the hearing impaired.

The Legislative instrument to operationalize the setting up of the integrated disability friendly

school in each region has not been developed.

The hearing impaired does not believe that the concept of inclusive education will enhance

their access to education.

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5.6 The Physical and the Built Environment

The physical and the built environment present one of the greatest challenges of providing

equal opportunities and full integration of PWDs in the Ghanaian society. The section

presents the barriers and opportunities within the areas of access to buildings, mobility and

assistive devices, transportation, managing the traffic and roadside pavement.

5.6.1 Access to Buildings

The 1992 Constitution provides that any place to which the public has access shall have

appropriate facilities for the disabled. Section 6 of the Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) states that

“the owner or occupier of a place to which the public has access shall provide appropriate facilities

that make the place accessible to and available for use by a person with disability”. Similar

provision has also been made in the Act that obliges persons who provide services to the

public to ensure that such services are accessible to PWDs. Although there is a ten year

moratorium on owners of existing commercial facilities to comply with the provision of the

Act, all new buildings and facilities are required to comply with the law.

Many PWDs perceive certain public places as ‘no-go-zones’. Assessing a building per se may

not represent a barrier in itself, but PWDs inability to access the services within that building

is the issue. Due to the design of the physical infrastructure, many PWDs are denied access to

basic services like education, health care, employment etc. PWDs are therefore denied the

opportunity to fully participate in the socio-economic development of the nation. An

interview with a PWDs, Birago, a physically disabled woman, provided an example of how

the built environment represents a barrier to seeking justice.

A certain police officer abused the right of Birago. The Women Wing Coordinator of GSPD in her

district advised her to lodge a complaint at CHRAG office at Ho, in the Volta Region. CHRAG

office premise is located in the third floor and had no access for persons with disability. Birago

struggled with difficulties to climb the stairs to lodge her complaints but was somehow discouraged

from pursuing further due to the difficulties in making follow up as a result of lack of access. Many

PWDs interviewed told similar story of how they were denied certain services due to lack of access.

An accessibility audit carried out on the Parliament of Ghana in 2007 found that the

Parliament building (where the disability Act 2006 was passed) was not accessible to persons

with disability. Many public places were found not accessible to the disabled and where

attempts have been made, it was found to be inadequate.

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An interview with a senior official (at the Department of Urban Roads) on the state of

preparedness of the department towards the implementation of the disability Act revealed

that Contractors and Architects are aware of the provisions in the Disability Act 2006 which

enjoins them to make all new public roads disability friendly. Contractors know this

provision through contract awards as these provisions are factored in the designs of all road

networks in the country. Lower curves are provided in designs for wheelchair users. Pedi

cans are also provided at Traffic Light for the visually impaired.

Many PWDs, however, lamented that the provisions made in road designs are inadequate.

The road designs near the National Rehabilitation Centre were cited as vivid examples. A

wheelchair user who wants to cross the road to the other side from the main entrance of the

Centre has to cross about four traffic lights before he can get to his or her destination. To

compound the problem for PWDs, many pedestrian walkways have been overcrowded by

hawkers. This makes it difficult for the blind and physically disabled to walk independently

without running into items belonging to street vendors. The pedestrian walkway at the

Kwame Nkrumah Circle, in Accra for example is crowded with hawkers, thus, making it

impossible for any wheelchair user or the visually impaired to access the walkway.

Although the Disability Law came into force more than two years ago, there is no

monitoring mechanism within the state or the disability movement to ensure compliance of

this legislative provision.

5.6.2 Mobility and Assistive Devices

The issue of mobility and accessibility are important to understanding the life challenges

facing PWDs. One’s ability to negotiate the physical environment has the direct effect of

Perhaps it is the responsibility of the disability Council to ensure compliance of the various

legislative provisions but the disability movement can also set up an independent monitoring team

that will carry out an accessibility audit to ensure that this very provision are adhered by all

concerned. To reduce cost, the team from OPWDs could embark on quarterly inspection of all new

buildings and make their findings public to create the necessary awareness among stakeholders to

comply. There should be wide publicity of the quarterly accessibility audit report to increase impact.

OPWDs may also form alliance with the Town and Country Planning department, the Department

of Urban Roads and District Assemblies to ensure that all designs comply with the tenants of the

disability Act.

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increasing the person’s mobility and enhances the opportunities for participation in society.

Assistive devices help PWDs to increase their mobility and increased life opportunities.

However, an interview with PWDs indicates that PWDs have to purchase these devices from

the open market at very high costs. Assistive devices such as wheelchair for example cost

about GH¢220; clutches, about GH¢35; and calipers range between GH¢150- GH¢30034

depending on the length. These devices are beyond the reach of many PWDs who are said to

be among the poorest of the poor. Some non-governmental organizations were found to be

assisting some PWDs with some of these gadgets.

There are no policies at both the national and district levels which require District

Assemblies or the Department of Social Welfare to provide such devices to unemployed

PWDs. The Disability Act 2006 however provides tax exemptions for a person who

manufactures technical aids and appliances for PWDs in Ghana. Many PWDs who could not

afford the wheelchair uses the hands to help them move about. The Disability Act 2006

(section 32) unfortunately enjoins the Ministry of Health to formulate polices that will

provide “….specialized health care and assistive devices for persons with total disability”. This

implies that many PWDs whose disability are not severe but are very poor cannot be

supported assistive devices under the law.

34 Information gathered during field interview.

OPWDs may push for broader definition of the phrase ‘total disability’ when the LI is being

developed to capture PWDs who do not have access to any form of livelihood. This may be a

short terms advocacy issue failure of which will deny many PWDs of having access to free

assistive devices. As a long term measure, OPWDs many also lobby the government to

enjoins District Assemblies to provide free assistive devices to all PWDs in each district. This

may not be feasible in the short term but will be achievable when the discovered oil reserves

start flowing in 2010. Private entrepreneurs may enter into the production of assistive devices

if the government task DAs to provide such services to PWDs as there will be ready market

for such devices. This proposed advocacy action also has job creation potential if DAs are

made to patronize these devices from the local market only. OPWDs may mention the job

creation aspect when pressing home this advocacy issue.

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5.6.3 Transport

The Disability Act provides for the transport needs of PWDs in section 23-30. In these

sections, the government is required to ensure that the needs of PWDs are factored into all

designs, constructions and operations of the transport network. Provisions have also been

made for PWDs to import, for personal use, any non-conventional vehicle of their choice

without the payment of any form of import duty. The Law also provides for reserved seats in

all public transports for PWDs. The hearings impaired also have the right to own a license

upon passing the necessary test organized by the Driver and Vehicle License Authority

(DVLA). Public transport is also required to have reserved seats for PWDs.

Access to public means of transportation increases a persons’ mobility and consequently that

person’s ability to participate fully in the socio-economic development discourse of the

country. Many PWDs, however, reported facing various forms of discrimination in trying to

access transport services.

Staying in a village about 6 Kilometers from Somanya in the Eastern region; Akosua, a petty

trader, narrates her daily experiences of boarding transport to Somanya market.

“Every day, I have to wait for about two hours before I can get tro-tro (a car) to the market.

The mate (bus conductors) refuses to pick us because they say we delay them. If you are lucky to be

picked, then you have to pay extra for your wheelchair as well”.

The experiences of Akosua are similar to the daily commuting challenges facing many PWDs

in Ghana. Many of the long-distance commercial passenger vehicles do not have disabled

friendly seats. An accessibility audit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on State

Enterprise, Social Welfare and Employment in 2007 found that the state Transport Company

(STC) does not have the disabled friendly design seats among their fleet of vehicles. None of

the long distance vehicles that plough the Accra-Kumasi road has their seats designed to meets

the needs of PWDs.

Almost all transport operators in the country do not comply with the accessibility

requirement. OPWDs may include transport companies in the proposed quarterly

accessibility Audit described above.

5.6.4 Traffic and Pedestrian

The disability Act 2006 provides that “a motorist shall stop for a person with disability who

shows an intention to cross the road either at a pedestrian crossing or at an appropriately designed

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point for crossing by persons with disability”. The traffic in many cities and towns in Ghana,

however, makes it difficult for PWDS to move freely. There are few Zebra crossings with a

traffic light.

Although, a large proportion of Ghanaians observe the traffic light, many are dysfunctional

due to power outages and poor maintenance culture. The visually impaired in particular

cannot virtually move without the guide of other people. This is because pavements are

crowded with hawkers and pedestrians thus preventing them to orientate themselves in the

landscape. When a senior official in charge of policy planning, monitoring and evaluation at

the Department of Urban Roads was asked why the present road construction designs do not

include gadgets for the visually impaired to read and know their directions, it was mentioned

that “many people with vision impaired are not educated and for that matter cannot read these

signs. Besides it is expensive to include these design features in road designs” Many visually

impaired persons totally disagreed with this assertion citing instances where vendors have

blatantly occupied pavements made for pedestrian with stakeholders doing nothing to evict

these hawkers.


OPPORTUNITIES

The 1992 Constitution and Disability Act 2006 make explicit provision for public places

to be made disabled friendly. Transport operators are required to make their vehicles

disability friendly. OPWDs may carry out quarterly accessibility audit of public places

and transport operators to create awareness for need compliance.

BARRIERS

Provisions in road designs are inadequate.

Hawkers have made mobility virtually impossible for PWDs

The disability Act 2006 does not make provision for free Assistive devices to be supplied

to PWDs whose disabilities are not severe. OPWDs may advocate for changes when the

LI is being developed and in the future lobby the government to task DAs to provide free

assistive device to all PWDs.

Weak institutions and monitoring system may frustrate the adherence of the relevant

provision of laws.

There is little or no regard for people using white canes and PWDs in Wheel Chairs in

Ghana.

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5.7 Sports and Persons with Disabilities

The Disability Act 2006 enjoins the Ministry of Education, Science and Sports to ‘…..ensure

through the provision of adequate facilities, programmes and incentives that persons with disability

have access to sports….”

Sports have been found to be an ideal tool for reducing the stigma associated with disability.

This is because sports is universally popular and has physical, social and economic

development benefits and has been a powerful tool for education and social mobilization.

These characteristics of sports also make it an ideal tool for fostering the socialization,

independence, empowerment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities. Sports for that

matter are not a luxury but a tool for expanding the traditional methods of motivating

individuals and community development and empowerment.

However, participation of PWDs in sports in Ghana is very limited. There is no clear cut

policy which regulates the development of sports for PWDs. Although the Ministry of

Education, Science and Sports has as a policy to support persons with various disabilities in

sports, programmes for PWDS are organized on ad hoc basis.

A case in point is the recent controversy surrounding the participation of the Physically

Disabled members in the just ended Paralympics Games in Beijing, China. In this

controversy, the Sports Ministry was reported to have stated that it was impossible for the

Ministry to provide funding to athletes to participate in the games under the pretext that the

PWDs do not qualify. This met a strong rebuttal from the sports wing of GSPD. According

to GSPD, their members were more than qualified and that the Ministry was just unwilling

to fund their participation in the games.

It is worth nothing that the National Sports Council has established the National

Paralympics’ Committee which is in charge of managing sports for the physically and

intellectual disabled persons to participate in local games and the World Paralympics games.

There appear to be lack of coordination between this body and the sports Wings of the

various disability movements.

About two thirds of PWDs interviewed expressed strong interest in sporting activities and

share the view that sports hold one of the keys to their full integration into society. Sports

development among Women with Disability is limited. GSPD has organized the Women’s

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Wing who has been participating in some sporting activities but indicated that more needs to

be done. GNAD does not have sports wing but an independent sports association for the deaf

Some disability movements expressed their frustration about the way the Sports

Ministry/Sports council handles sporting activities concerning PWDs. One Senior Executive

of GNAD narrated his experience in seeking the Ministry assistance to participate in

international deaflympics. After given them the green light to prepare for the event, they

were informed in the eleventh hour that there was no money for them. It took threats of

demonstration and pressure before the Sport Council finally decided to support them but due

to the poor preparation, their members could not get to the event venue on time. They noted

that they receive several invitations to participate in international sporting activities but are

constrained by funding as disabled sports is not a priority to the sports Ministry and the

National Sports Council.


OPPORTUNITIES

The Disability Act 2006 make provisions for PWDs participation in sports

The Sports Council has set up a body to manage sports for PWDs and ensure their

participation in sports.

Many PWDs have strong interest in sporting events

BARRIERS

The Sports wing of OPWDs appears weak.

Sports development among WWDs is also weak

Funding for sporting activities of PWDs appears to be a big problem.

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THE POLITICAL CONTEXT

6.1 Introduction

For PWDs to influence the decision-making bodies and processes in Ghana, they need to

enter into both central and local government structures as well as civil society groups.

Without any influence, they will not be able to either remove any existing barriers or

enhance any possible opportunities for participation. This section reviews the level of

participation of PWDs in the political and electoral process as well as civil society groups. It

also examines the manifestos of political parties with particular focus on how it captures

disability issues.

The section begins with an overview of the political environment as it relates to PWDs. The

section then examines the extent of political participation by PWDs and identifies the

barriers hindering their smooth participation. The involvement of PWDs in civil society

groups is also examined. Specific recommendations for action are highlighted. The section

concludes with a summary of opportunities and barriers in the political environment.

6.2 Overview of the Political Environment

Ghana is a maturing democracy with relatively stable political structures, vibrant media and

growing civil society. The country has held four successful general elections since 1992 when

the nation reverted to democratic rule.

The fourth Republican Constitution of 1992 (Chapter 5) grants equal rights of participation

to every citizen. Under Article 12[1], all organs and agencies of government as well as all

natural and legal persons in Ghana are under obligation to respect those rights. Article 17[2]

provides that “a person shall not be discriminated against on the grounds of gender, race,

religion, ethnic origin, creed or social and economic status”. To cater for the special needs of

persons with disabilities, Article 29[4] of the constitution provides that “Disabled persons shall

be protected against all exploitation, all regulations and all treatment of a discriminatory, abusive

or degrading nature”. The Disability Act 2006 also expanded on this provision into detail.

Article 42 of the Constitution provides for equal participation of and right of every citizen

[including PWDs] to vote in elections and referenda.

SECTION 6

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6.3 Participation of PWDs in Government & Leadership Positions

Participation among PWDs in politics and government is very low in Ghana. There are

presently no PWD who is a Minister of state in government. Indeed, there is very little

history of PWDs serving as ministers, legislators or judges. Few PWDs have broken the

ceiling to enter into politics35. Since 1992, there have been three Parliamentary candidates

who were disabled. However, only one was able to win his seat. None of the over 80

Ministers and Deputy Ministers in the present government is a PWD36.

Appointment of PWDs to high profile and leadership positions in Ghana is also low. For

example PWDs have no representation on the Council of State, a body that advises the

President on the critical challenges facing the nation.

On policy implementation, there are no sections or units of government departments

dedicated fully to the disability agenda. Meanwhile, all countries that have made some strides

in the disability issues have special units or department on disability issues. For instance,

Kenya and Uganda have created special units in governments departments vested with

responsibilities to PWDs. Interviews with the some members of GFD revealed that no

disabled person has ever been appointed by government to any higher office in the country.

According to them persons with disability are often forgotten when it comes to making

policies for the people of Ghana because they have no voice in Parliament.

The current decentralization programme of Ghana is premised on the principle of

participatory democracy. However, the participation of PWDs in the district level political

administration is limited. There is only one PWD in the three pilot districts visited. No PWD

has been appointed as District Chief Executive (DCE). Thus, PWDs participation in decision

making is very low, making it difficult for them to influence policies at the local level. There

is no affirmative action policy or any other system to promote PWDs’ political participation

both at the district and national level. PWDs who contest elections for Unit Committee and

District Assembly rub shoulders with all the other aspirants.

Many PWDs did not avail themselves for elective positions at the grass root level. Interview

with key informants in the three pilot districts indicates that only two people have contested

for the position of Assembly Member out of which one person was successful.

35 Interview with the Ghana Federation of the Disabled36 Interview with the Ghana Federation of the Disabled

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Three women have contested for the position of Unit Committees in the three pilot districts

visited of which one of them won. No form of discrimination was however reported by these

women.

Some PWDs also expressed interest in standing for elected positions at the Unit Committee

and District Assembly level. A visually impaired woman noted:

“We also want to serve our people and nation. We are tired of being served all the time. In fact, the

situation where PWDs are always served reaffirms the society’s low confidence in the capabilities of

PWDs.”

Almost all informants unanimously expressed the view that governments should appoint

qualified PWDs to high-profile political positions at the district level to represent their

interest. According to them, this will provide the leeway for PWDs to adequately participate

in the developmental process in their communities.

There is no quota for PWDs in the District Assemblies or Unit Committee. In Uganda for

example, there is Parliamentary quota for PWDs. Their Local Government Act also provides

for the representation of PWDs

at all local government levels.

Uganda has also created a

Ministry for the disabled known

as the Ministry for Disability and

Elderly Affairs37 The people and

government of Ghana can

emulate the Ugandan example.

Informants cited various reasons for the low participation of PWDs in the political process.

These include;

Lack of finance: Many PWDs were found to be relatively poor and political

campaigning was said to be expensive for them. Some PWDs interviewed indicated

that they are not able to meet their basic needs let alone stand for political office.

PWDs are able to overcome the financial challenge face discrimination from the local

communities. One physically disabled person who stood for assembly member in his

locality narrated his experience. According to him, many people looked at him

37 Uganda, Country Profile, March 2004, International Labour Organization.

The disability movement may lobby the government to

task DCE to appoint PWDs into the DAs. PWDs may

form part of the 30 percent Assembly members that are

appointed by the government. This affirmative action

would help PWDs to have a voice in local governance.

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strangely and laughed off saying all kinds of derogatory things. He lost that election

by a wide margin and has decided not to compete again.

Many PWDs were found to be functionally illiterate. As a result, they lacked access to

the necessary information to develop their political message.

Another factor preventing PWDs to participate in politics is low self esteem.

Interviews with some PWDs indicated that they face negative perceptions and attitudes

that isolated and discriminated against them in their own communities. This prevailing

negative attitude reportedly affects their self-esteem.

The deaf indicated their reasons for low participation as their inability to communicate

with the larger communities. They are also unable to access the political messages of

many political parties as these messages are transmitted in a format they do not

understand. They called on political parties to translate their campaign messages into

sign language for them to comprehend the messages.

6.4 Participation of PWDs in Voting Process

Since 2000, OPWDs have worked with other NGOs and the Electoral Commission (EC) to

promote the full participation of PWDs in Ghana’s elections. In 2000, close to 80 PWDs were

involved in electioneering monitoring (the first of its kind in Ghana)38. This has subsequently

led to strengthened ties, between OPWDs, the EC, and over twenty domestic civil society

organizations. One member of the Ghana Association of the Blind, observed that:

“Our presence at the polling stations was at first met with surprise, then followed with acceptance”.

Another one lamented that:

“They never knew that a blind person could observe”.

In the same year, the EC developed and pilot tested the tactile ballot guide to allow blind

voters to vote in secret.

In the 2004 elections, GFD worked with the electoral commission to raise awareness of the

right of disabled people to vote. GFD created awareness on inclusion of sign language

interpretation on voter education on TV broadcasts. The awareness also included electoral

rights among the members of the disability movement throughout the country. Members of

Ghana Association of the Blind were trained on how to use the tactile ballot guide.

38 Election observation by Persons with Disabilities: Ghana Case Study, Volume 1, Paper 3, December 2000.

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There has been some significant progress in recent years regarding the participation of PWDs

in the electoral process. In the year 2004, for example, 117 disabled people - all members of

the disability movement, were trained as election observers to monitor the election. By

playing the role of election observers, PWDs were able to ensure that voting and polling

booths were accessible to the disabled community.

The EC also introduced the tactile ballot folder in every polling station during the 2004

election. However the EC could not replicate this ground breaking initiative in the 2006

District Assembly elections. Although the tactile ballot guide is provided during national

elections, it is not all blind /visually impaired persons are able to use the guide. An interview

with the leadership of GAB revealed that the association and the EC are independently

undertaking training for members of the association to refresh their minds on how to use the

guide in the impending elections. However, not all of the presiding officers had received

training on how to use the tactile ballot folders, and even those who had some knowledge

were often unsure of how to use it.

The Constitution conferred voting rights on all qualified Ghanaians, but people with hearing

impairment have in some cases been deprived of such rights because the information put out

about the electoral process were difficult for them to access.

6.5 Political Party’s Policy Intentions for PWDs

The manifestos of Political parties provide an outline of their policy framework when in

government. A review of these Manifestos will highlight the opportunities and barriers

available to PWDs in the manifestos.

6.5.1 The New Patriotic Party (NPP)

The 2008 manifesto of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) contains provisions for PWDs.

According to the manifesto, the party “will in consultation with the various groups and

organizations, set out programmes to protect and promote the rights of persons with

disability’” The party has also promised to take steps to ensure that the provisions of the

Disability Act 2006 (Act 715) are implemented.

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In a forum organized by GSPD and Political Parties to throw more light on their agenda for

PWDs, the presidential candidate of the NPP promised the party’s commitment to

inaugurate the National Council on Disability within the first 100 days in government.

6.5.2 The National Democratic Congress (NDC)

NDC’s 2008 manifesto has devoted a section for the PWDs emphasizing increase in access to

education for PWDs and adequate funding for special schools. The manifesto also pledges

social and criminal legislation to protect the rights of PWDs. The NDC also promises

enactment of new national policies on disability to mainstream PWDs into the broader

society.

6.5.3 The Convention Peoples Party (CPP)

The CPP manifesto also makes special provision for PWDs. The manifesto pledges to:

Set up the National Disability Council to ensure the smooth implementation of the

disability Act. Ensure that all DAs fulfil the Parliamentary mandate to allocate 2

percent of the DACF to promote the activities of PWDs.

Establish community-based rehabilitation and employment support centres for PWDs.

Establish, in line with the disability Act 715, Assessment Centers, to aid in the early

identification of children with disabilities.

Decentralize the activities of the National Council for PWDs to improve service access

and quality at the district level.

Create public awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by PWDs.

The Convention People’s Party (CPP) is the only party that has blazed the trail in the

political history of Ghana by launching a Braille version of the party’s 2008 manifesto for the

visually impaired.

6.5.4 The Peoples National Convention (PNC)

PNC’s 2008 manifesto is mute on the plight of PWDs. The party does not seem to have any

agenda for PWDs.

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6.6 The Involvement of PWDs in Civil Society Groups

Civil society, which is commonly called the “third sector" is distinct from government and

business and play a significant role in emerging democracies such as Ghana. Persons with

disabilities can therefore achieve their broader objectives if they collaborate with the larger

civil society groups. Below is a description of the relationship between PWDs and the larger

civil society.

Persons with disabilities in Ghana relate to civil society at three main levels namely the

primary, secondary and tertiary levels. In the first level of the relationships, PWDs have

joined disability focused associations usually based on the nature of their disability. This has

led to the formation of associations such as the Ghana Association of the Blind (GAB), the

Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD) and The Ghana National Association of

the Deaf (GNAD) etc. These associations are homogeneous with strong group cohesions and

sense of purpose. They champion the cause of their respective members in the larger society.

These OPWDs have memberships across the region, districts and towns in Ghana and

advocates for the rights of their members at these levels. However, the capacities of these

associations to influence policies at both the national and particularly the districts levels are

very limited. At the secondary level, OPWDs have come together to form one body, the

Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD). This body represents the entire disability

movement at major forums at the national level and in accessing other resources at the

district level.

GFD meets annually with members to discuss matters of interest to the disability movement,

and to approve national policies and strategies. The executives of the various members of

OPWDs however meet every quarter to deliberate on strategy implementation and other

pertinent issues. Members of OPWDS participate in programmes organized by GFD at both

the national and district levels. However the degree of synergy in the activities among the

OPWDs is weak. The present joint project being implemented by OPWDs is supposed to

The disability movement may congratulate any party that wins 2008 election and remind them

about the policy intentions as stated in their manifestos. They should make an annual press

biannual press statements reminding the government of their promise towards the disability

community as stated in the party manifestos. This will put the government on their toes to be

responsive to disability issues.

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strengthen the corporation among member organization. The level of collaboration is

improving.

PWDs also interact with civil society at the tertiary level. At this level of interaction,

OPWDs have formed the disability network. The disability network is made up of several

civil society organizations that have disability programmes in their overall projects and

strategies. These NGOs include members of GFD, the Centre for Democratic Development

(CDD) SEND Foundation, Sight Savers International, and Action on disability and

Development (ADD) etc. The disability network meets quarterly to discuss emerging

disability issues, sharpen tools and evolve strategies on how to address these issues.

The level of coordination between the disability movement and the partner organization

within the disability network is low. There is lack of synergy between members in the

network on their disability focused programmes. This breeds duplications in advocacy

campaigns and divergence in approach to addressing similar issues facing PWDs.

The disability movement however has strong collaboration with other international disabled

person’s organizations that provides them with both technical and material support.

An interview with key informants in the disability movement also reveals lack of interaction

between the OPWDs and the larger civil society organization outside the disability network.

PWDs have not developed strong relationship with other powerful civil society organizations

such as the Ghana Bar Association, the Ghana Medical and Dental Association, The Trade

Union Congress, The Ghana Employers Associations etc. These associations wield much

influence at the national scene and strong partnership with them could yield good dividend

for members of the disability movement. For example, the Ghana Bar Association is better

placed to assist OPWDs to lobby the government to ratify the UN Convention on the Right

of Persons with Disabilities.

The Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) may improve their coordination with the

disability network on issues facing persons with disability. This may be done by providing

timely feedback on network meetings and increased information sharing. The network may

also develop common national advocacy issues to be undertaken by the network. This may be

broader national issues which require strong partnership. This will ensure synergy in the

programmes and activities within the disability movement on one hand and among the

disability network on the other.

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The involvement of OPWDs on issues of national interest is also very minimal.

Organizations of Persons with disabilities appear pre-occupied only with issues directly

affecting PWDs and not on other national issues, which on hindsight appear distant but upon

a critical look, affect PWDs even greater than non-disabled persons. For example no

statement came from OPWDs on the Northern Conflict even though PWDs would be much

affected as a result of this conflict since they are the most vulnerable group in times of

conflict.

The participation of PWDs in civil society groups outside the OPWDs is also very low. The

reasons for low participation are similar to the reasons given for low participation of PWDs

in the political process. PWDs can better direct civil society’s efforts and strategies to their

course if they hold influential positions within these movements.

PWD however have strong representation on the disability Council which has been

mandated to evolve policies and programmes to ensure the full integration of PWDs in

societies.

OPWDs may nurture such relationships by actively engaging civil society groups in their

programmes and activities. This collaboration may take the form of request for technical

assistance, and partnership on specific advocacy issues such as the ratification of the UN

Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities.

For a civil society group to wield much influence, it should be seen [by the larger public] to be

concerned with issues affecting the larger public and not only on issues of peculiar interest to its

members. OPWDs should monitor national issues and issue position statements in vital national

issues and not only on issues relating to disabilities.

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OPPORTUNITIES

The 1992 Constitution provides for equal participation of all citizens of voting age to

participate fully in the political process.

There is high level of interest among PWDs to participate in the political process. The disability

movement may lobby the government to task DCE to appoint PWDs into the DAs. PWDs

may form part of the 30 percent Assembly members that are appointed by the government.

All the major political parties except PNC have polices that address issues concerning PWDs.

PWDs may pressure the political parties that wins the impending election to address issues

concerning PWDs that is contained in their manifesto.

The disability net work provides opportunities for the disability movement amplify their

advocacy efforts. GFD may further coordinate with the disability network on issues facing

persons with disability.

Other civil society groups outside the disability networks also offer opportunities to the

disability movement to partner to achieve some of their advocacy goals.

BARRIERS

There is limited literacy amongst PWDs that may hinder their participation in society.

The issue of Low self-esteem among PWDs may affect their participation in the political

process.

Financial constraints present a challenge for PWDs to contest elections.

Systematic discrimination against PWDs’ may affects their participation in the political process.

There is no assignment of quotas for PWDs in local government to promote participation on

equal terms with others.

OPWDs do not interact strongly with other civil society groups.

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THE LEGAL CONTEXT

7.1 Introduction

This section reviews the various legislation and international protocol concerning PWDs. It

highlights the opportunities and barriers in some of these legislations for the purpose of

developing tools for advocacy, lobbying and mounting of political pressure on the duty-

bearers in the law. The review also highlights some of the omissions in the law and how it

may affect the potential benefits the law could have on the target beneficiaries.

This section in particular, reviews the following legislations and international protocol:

Fourth Republican Constitution of 1992

The Disability Act 2006

The Children’s Act 1998

The Labour Act 2003

The United Nations (UN) Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities

7.2 The Legal and Regulatory Environment

There have been various International Declarations and Conventions which seek to protect

the Fundamental Human Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The UN Declaration on

Human Rights, 1948, the UN Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for

Persons with Disabilities, 1993, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with

Disability, 2006, the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights and the African Decade

of the Disabled 2000-2009- all seek to make provisions that safeguard the right of Persons

with disabilities.

At the national level, the Fourth Republican Constitution of 1992, Persons with Disability

Act, 2006, the Children Act 1998, the Labour Act, 2003 and the National Disability Policy,

2000 provide for the equal right of PWDs to education, healthcare, employment, and decent

social life.

These legislations and international declarations present enormous opportunities, as well as,

challenges to PWDs in Ghana.

SECTION 7

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7.3 The Fourth Republican Constitution of 1992

The 1992 Constitution makes provision for the fundamental human rights of all Ghanaians.

Furthermore, Article 29 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana imposed an

obligation on Parliament to legislate laws to protect and promote the rights of persons with

disability (PWDs). This obligation was finally discharged in 2006 by the passage of the

Disability Act 2006 (Act 715).

The Constitution enshrines PWDs’ right to live a decent life with their families or foster

parents and participate fully in social and recreational activities. The Constitution also

guarantees the right of PWDs against all forms of exploitation, regulations and treatments of

discriminatory or abusive nature. The right of PWDs to uninterrupted access to all places to

which the public have access is also catered for under the 1992 Constitution. PWDs, who

engage in business and employers who employ PWDs, are also guaranteed some special

incentives under the 1992 Constitution.

The 1992 Constitution provides an exhaustive guarantee of rights of PWDs in Ghana. This

right was, however, deferred for about 14 years since the necessary legislations to give

meaning to the provisions were absent.

7.4 The National Disability Policy 2000

The 2000 National Disability Policy document seeks to address the needs of PWDs to receive

the appropriate training, adequate technical aides and necessary support services to increase

their capabilities to deal with the task and challenges in life in a dignified manner. The

National Disability Policy has as one of its long term goals, the mainstreaming of all PWDs

into the development process and improves their quality of life through the equalization of

opportunities by the year 2020. The short to medium term policy objectives were to create

awareness among the general public about the need to give equal respect to PWDs in society.

The National Disability policy achieved little of the objectives set in the policy documents.

The policy did not have a legal backing and hence civil society could not do much in terms of

putting pressure to ensure the implementation of the policy document. The policy however

paved the way for the passage of the Disability Act 2006 as many of the issues raised in the

policy was adopted in the legislation.

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7.5 The Disability Act 2006 (Act 715)

After a long period of lobbying and advocacy by civil society groups, the disability Act was

finally passed by Parliament in 2006. The Act gives a great deal of power to PWDs, civil

society groups and Ghanaians in general, to engage the government through advocacy,

lobbying, and political pressure to make government and other duty-bearers in the law to act

accordingly.

The Disability Act is made up of 8 main sections. The first section provides for the rights of

PWDs, whiles the second section focuses on employment, the third on education, the forth

on transportation and the fifth on health. The sixth section of the Act focuses on

miscellaneous provisions while the seventh and eighth sections talk about the establishment

of the National Council for Disability and its administrative and financial provisions.

Detailed descriptions and provisions in the disability Act are discussed together with other

legislations and policies in the relevant sections of this report.

The legislative instrument that is required to aid the implementation of the disability Act has

not been developed by the MMYE. OPWDs need to as a matter of urgency lobby for the

drafting of the LI to enable them push for the implementation of the relevant provision

under the law.

7.5.1 The National Council on Disabilities

The Disability Act 2006 calls for the establishment of the National Council on Disability.

The mandate of the Council is to propose and evolve policies and strategies to ensure full and

equal participation of PWDs in national development. The Council has been set up with

Professor E. Gyimah Boadi as the Chairman.

There are four disabled persons out of the 13 member Council. These include the Chairman

of the Council and the three representations from GAB, GNAD and GSPD. Parents

Association of Children with Intellectual Disability (PACID) is also represented on the

Council. The Chairman of the Council however does not belong to any OPWDs.

The Council is however yet to be inaugurated by the President. Just recently [September 24,

2008], the Ministry of Manpower Youth and Sports placed an advertisement in the Daily

Graphic newspaper for the recruitment of a director of operations and research monitoring

and evaluation for the Council. These key personnel are needed for the operation of the

Council.

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7.6 Some Omissions in the Disability Act 2006 (Act 715)

The Disability was law mute at the gender dimension of discrimination against women with

disabilities (WWDs)39. WWDs face multiple forms of discrimination at the family level and in

social life. It is therefore unfair that WWDs were left out in the legal provisions. The African

Charter on Women’s Rights, of which Ghana is a signatory, provides that the state parties

should ensure “the protection of WWDs and take specific measures to commensurate with

their physical, economic and social needs to facilitate their access to employment,

professional and vocational training, as well as, their participation in decision-making. State

parties should also ensure the right of WWDs to freedom from violence, including sexual

abuse, discrimination based on disability and the right to be treated with dignity.[2] Article

2340

39Appiagyei-Atua, K. The new Disability Law in Ghana, the Way Forward. A speech delivered in the second Annual

CHRAJ-GBA-CHRI Lectures on “Advancing Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Ghana.40

Appiagyei-Atua, K. The new Disability Law in Ghana, the Way Forward. A speech delivered in the second AnnualCHRAJ-GBA-CHRI Lectures on “Advancing Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Ghana.

When inaugurated, the Council could play a very important role in monitoring state

institutions and private agencies to comply with the requirement of the disability

law. However, the Council is a State agency and may be constrained in their effort to

getting state institutions to comply with the dictates of the disability law particularly

in situations where such compliance requires huge capital commitment from that

agency/government. Moreover due to the politically sensitive nature of issues

concerning PWDs, there may be pressure on the Council from other political quarters

not to go public in their quest to ensure compliance. In such situations the Council

may not be able to effectively play their monitoring role. In this regard, OPWDs

may have to set up their independent monitoring team to put the Council on its toes.

Whiles the Council may be friends of the disability movement, political patronage

and self interest of representative may dilute their zeal to making sure that the

Council takes the right actions and decisions. OPWDs should therefore develop key

interest in the Council activities and make public statements on certain issues to put

the Council on the right course.

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The disability Law lacks an equality or non-discrimination provision. According to a

constitutional law expert41, such a provision is vital in determining the significance of the

legislation, particularly in view of the fact that Ghana’s constitution’s non-discrimination

clause does not mention disability.

7.7 Issues of Implementation

Certain (LI) need to be developed before PWDs can have full access to some of the benefits

provided under the law. Some of these legislations are

Section 9/10- Establishment of employment centres for PWDs

Section 7: Education

Section 21- Special education

Section 31-35 Health care

Section 22- Library-Minimum standards

Section 23- Transportation –minimum standard.

The Disability movement may embark on intensive advocacy action to call for the

development of the LI’s to enable the relevant MDAs to operationalize the provisions in the

Act.

41Appiagyei-Atua, K. The new Disability Law in Ghana, the Way Forward. A speech delivered in the second Annual

CHRAJ-GBA-CHRI Lectures on “Advancing Economic, Social and Cultural Rights in Ghana.

Considering the enormous challenges facing the disability movement, review of the

law should be a long terms advocacy issues perhaps after 2013. This is because a

lot of opportunities have been provided by the passage of the Act which has not

been exploited

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7.8 The Labour Act 2003 & Labour Regulation 2007

The Labour Act 2003 and the Labour Regulation 2007 make provisions that address the

unemployment situation of PWDs. Part V of the Act focuses on the employment of PWDs

and call for the registration of all PWDs who need employment at a special employment

centre. The centre is obliged to look for jobs for such PWDs.

The Labour Act 2003 and the Labour Regulation 2007 also provide tax incentives for

individuals and organizations that employ PWDs. PWDs that set up their own businesses or

enterprises would also enjoy some incentives to be prescribed by the Minister of Manpower

Youth and Employment.

The Labour Regulation 2007 was however silent on the percentage of tax rebate to be given

to employers for employing a PWD. The absence of this clarification does not motivate

many employers to sign onto the idea. When interviewed, some employers asked how much

tax rebate they were going to get for employing one PWD in their organization. Therefore

the guideline needs to be in the public domain if it is to have the intended impact.

The Labour Regulation 2007 was also silent on the nature of incentives to be given to PWDs

who set themselves up in business. Guidelines on these provisions have not been developed.


OPPORTUNITIES

The provisions in the 1992 Constitution and the disability Act 2006 offer powerfulopportunities for PWDs to change the status quo- of discrimination and socialexclusion

BARRIERS

The Various legislative instruments that will help the implementation of the Disability

Act have not been developed.

The Disability Act was silent on the gender dimension of discrimination

The Act also failed to provide a legal definition of disability.

The disability Act lacks lack an equality or non-discrimination provision

The Disability Council that is supposed to monitor the implementation of the law has

not been inaugurated.

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7.9 The Children Act 1998

The Children’s Act 1998 also guarantees the right of the disabled child to be treated with

dignity. Section 10 of the Act reads “No person shall treat a disabled child in an undignified

manner”. The law also provides for the disabled child’s right to “special care, education and

training wherever possible to develop his maximum potential to be self-reliant”. These provisions

have been strengthened in the disability Act 2006.

7.10 The UN Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities

(CRPD)

The UN Convention is a universal, legally binding standard that ensures that the rights of

PWDs are guaranteed everywhere in the world. Thus, the Convention promotes, protects

and ensures the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights by PWDs. It covers a number of

key areas such as accessibility, personal mobility, health, education, employment, habilitation

and rehabilitation, participation in political life, equality and non-discrimination. The

Convention places disability as a human rights issue instead of a social welfare concern.

The Government of Ghana adopted the Convention in December 2006. Government of

Ghana was among the first member nations of the UN to have signed up to the Convention

on March 30, 2007. For the Convention to have its full effect, Parliament has to ratify it. By

Ratifying the Convention Ghana will accept all the legal obligations under the treaty once

the convention comes into force. The UN Convention is a comprehensive legal document

and makes up for some of the omissions in the Disability Act 2006.

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OPPORTUNITIES

The Labour Act 2003 and the Labour Regulation 2007 have provisions that addresssome of the employment needs of PWDs. PWDs could press for:

the setting up of the disablement Centres

The provision of incentives for PWDs engaged in business ventures The UN Convention on the Right of PWDs presents enormous opportunities for

PWDs to assert their right. The Conventions make up for many of the shortcomings inthe Disability Act 2006 and can therefore supplement it.

BARRIERS

The silence of the Labour Regulations on the percentage of tax rebate to be given to

employers thwart the purpose of the incentive system.

The guidelines on the incentives that are supposed to be given to PWDs engaged in

their own business ventures have not been developed.

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TECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXT

8.1 Introduction

Technology application is one way for PWDs to integrate into the Ghanaian society.

Information, communication and assistive devices, can offer PWDs new possibilities to

achieve independent living and participation in social and economic activities. This section

analyses the technological context as it relates to persons with disabilities. It evaluates PWDs’

access to information technology products and services. It also reviews policies on ICT and

highlights opportunities and barriers for advocacy. In particular, PWDs’ access to the

computer and internet, public libraries, newspapers and movies are examined. The report

further examines PWDs access to communication technologies such as telephones and ATMs.

8.2 Information

According to Bonnie (2004)42 informational barriers can be just as disempowering as societal

or environmental barriers. Information usage and delivery in Ghana are regulated by the

National Media Policy and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Policy. One

of the objectives of ICT Policy is:

“To promote equal and universal access to information and communications technology services

and resources to all communities, and within this context, policy directives shall be put in place to

ensure and facilitate equal access for women, the disadvantaged, the disabled, and rural and under-

served communities.”

In September 2006, some non- governmental organizations such as Sight Savers International

assisted in the setting up of a computer library with the appropriate software for the blind

/visually impaired at the Ghana Society for the Blind in Accra to bring IT to the doorstep of

the blind. If that is the case, the blind should now use the computer aided by the braille

software. Interviews with the blind in the pilot districts showed that they are aware of the

braille computer software. However, they have never used it before.

42 Bonnie, S. (2004). Disabled People, Disability and Sexuality. Cited in Swain, J., French, S., Barnes,C., and Thomas, C. (eds.) Disabling Barriers – Enabling Environments (2nd ed.). London: Sage PublicationsLtd, pp. 125-132

SECTION 8

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The Section 7.5 of the National Media Policy mandates the media “to take cognizance of the

vulnerability of children and promote the dignity of women as well as persons with disability in

various ways”.

Despite this policy direction, the National Media Commission (NMC) does not explicitly

enjoy media houses to ensure that the information they provide is accessible to PWDs. The

NMC does not oblige television stations to provide a sign language inset or subtitles in all

newscast and educational programmes and in all programmes of national significance.

8.2.1 Television

Most television stations do not provide their programmes in a manner accessible to PWDs.

Apart from political party programmes which include sign language inset, many education

and entertainment programmes do not provide their services in a format accessible to the

deaf. Almost all adverts on products do not contain sign language interpretation insert that

can benefit the deaf/ the hearing impaired. Sign language is apparently lost on adverts on the

National Health Insurance Scheme, National Identification System, and other circulated daily

information on the television stations.

However, two television stations have

recently made some effort to provide a

sign language inset in some educational

programmes. For instance, ‘Mmaa

Nkommo’ programme is aired on GTV

and TV Africa with sign language

interpretation. An interview with key

informants revealed that the sign

language inset is too small and in low

quality making it impossible for the deaf

to understand the interpreter.

The hearing impaired ability to comprehend the sign language being interpreted on TV is

also another problem. This problem stems from the fact that there is no standardized local

sign language for the deaf who have not being to school. Thus, for the deaf to adequately

comprehend the programmes being interpreted in sign language, they need to have had

formal education. Many persons with hearing impairment have not had formal education to

the level that they can understand sign language. As evidenced from interviews with key

OPWDs may petition the National Media

Commission and the various television

stations to include sign language inserts

into TV news and commercials. This

advocacy issue is achievable within the

short to medium term as some television

stations have introduced this idea even

though not to the satisfaction of some

persons with hearing impairment.

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informants, many persons with hearing impairment do not have formal education and hence

find it difficult to understand sign language inserts.

For example almost all deaf/hearing impaired informants interviewed indicated that they are

not able to understand news items from the Ghanaian television channels.

8.2.2 Newspapers/Books

Newspapers, books and other materials that can assist those with visual impairment are not

printed in the format that will make it possible for them to access or use. Many books are not

produced in braille. Only text materials for studies at the school of the blind are produced in

braille. This makes it difficult for the blind to read. Persons who are visually impaired depend

on other people for information. Few persons with visual impairment reported that they are

aware of braille books and these are hardly accessible.

8.2.3 Libraries

Public libraries in Ghana have not been created to present information in a manner which is

accessible to PWDs. For instance, libraries do not contain braille, large print or taped for the

visually impaired. The design environment and location of libraries, points of access all lack

facilities that ease the movement of PWDs43.

8.2.4 Movies

One way in which the deaf and the hearing impaired can access movies is through subtitles.

Most foreign movies contain subtitles. However, the situation is different in Ghana. Persons

with hearing impairment find it difficult to entertain themselves by accessing movies.

43 James Annor (2002) Implementing Government Policy for Supporting Technology use by Persons with Disability, Peopleto People International Ghana.


8.2.5 Computer and Internet

Computer technology and the Internet have a tremendous potential to broaden the lives and

increase the independence of people with disabilities. For the past ten years, internet users in

Ghana have increased considerably

highest in sub-Saharan Africa

not have disabled friendly facilities

partially sighted and the low

short or long sighted people.

The Ghana Society for the Blind (GSB)

at the National Rehabilitation Centre in Accra. It was revealed

successfully completed training in ICT while 200 are still under

centers. The challenge facing the centre is

applicants who are mostly employed in the formal sector and are unable to

existing training schedules.

44H.E. Prof. Mike Oquaye (2006) UNCTAD Expert Meeting In Support of the Implementation and Follow

Using ICTs To Achieve Growth And Development Jointly organized by UNCTAD, OECD and ILO

0

10

20

30

40

GSPD GAB GNAD

Figure 10 : Do you know howto access the internet?


Computer and Internet



Ghana have increased considerably. The rapid rate of Internet use in Ghana is one of the

Saharan Africa44. However, the computer and internet

relatively low. For example out of 87

informants interviewed,

computer literate (Figure

majority of the PWDs hardly make use of

the internet.

The low level of education among

informants was a major drawback

use of the internet. The problem of access

was a major problem to the blind

impaired informants as they do not have

access to the necessary software.

and location of the internet cafes, which

cilities was also a problem for some physically disabled. The

partially sighted and the low vision also indicated lack of access to the magnifier devices for

he Ghana Society for the Blind (GSB) has set up a computer-training

at the National Rehabilitation Centre in Accra. It was revealed that

successfully completed training in ICT while 200 are still undergoing training in the

facing the centre is its ability to meet the growing expectation of

applicants who are mostly employed in the formal sector and are unable to

H.E. Prof. Mike Oquaye (2006) UNCTAD Expert Meeting In Support of the Implementation and FollowUsing ICTs To Achieve Growth And Development Jointly organized by UNCTAD, OECD and ILO

GNAD

Figure 10 : Do you know howto access the internet?

Yes

No

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rapid rate of Internet use in Ghana is one of the

he computer and internet use among PWDs is

For example out of 87

informants interviewed, only 8 were

computer literate (Figure 10) Thus, a large

he PWDs hardly make use of

The low level of education among

informants was a major drawback to making

use of the internet. The problem of access

was a major problem to the blind /visually

impaired informants as they do not have

access to the necessary software. The design

and location of the internet cafes, which do

was also a problem for some physically disabled. The

also indicated lack of access to the magnifier devices for

training centre for its members

that 134 persons have so far

going training in the Satellite

growing expectation of

applicants who are mostly employed in the formal sector and are unable to fit into the

H.E. Prof. Mike Oquaye (2006) UNCTAD Expert Meeting In Support of the Implementation and Follow-Up of WSIS:Using ICTs To Achieve Growth And Development Jointly organized by UNCTAD, OECD and ILO

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8.3 Communication

Ghana has rolled up two key policies to guide communication. These policies are

Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Policy and National

Telecommunication policy. The National Communications Authority Act, 1996 [Act 524]

established the Ghana National Communications Authority as a regulator for the

communications sector. Its role includes licensing providers of telecommunications and

infrastructure services.


OPPORTUNITIES

The National Media Policy enjoins the media to promote issues concerning vulnerable

groups. GNAD could petition the Media Commision to require television station to include

sign language inserts in their news and other commercials.

Some media houses have began providing subtitles and including sign language

communication in their programmes

Political parties are increasingly becoming aware of the need to include the deaf in their

political messaging. The disability movement may build from this and press for policies that

recognize the deaf in political messaging.

BARRIERS

The NMC does not oblige television stations to provide a sign language inset or subtitles

in all newscast and educational programmes and in all programmes of national

significance.

Many advertisement and public education on TV do not provide for the information

needs of the deaf.

There is no standardized local sign language for the deaf in Ghana and as such many deaf

persons /the hearing impaired do not understand the formal sign language that is used

on TV.

Many public tertiary institutions do not have facilities to fully accommodate the deaf.

Many newspapers, books and educative materials are not presented in the format in

which the blind can access.

The deaf cannot watch local movies as many local videos do not have sub titles.

Most public Libraries are not accessible to the blind since these libraries are not equipped

with facilities that the blind can use.

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Section 5 of National Telecommunication Policy highlights the universal access and service to

information and communication. It states that:

“The Government considers universal access and universal service to information and

communication a fundamental right of every citizen”

In Section 4.2 of the National Telecommunication Policy, the National Communication

Authority (NCA) is vested with the responsibility of enforcing the conditions attached to the

license of telecommunication companies to guarantee special arrangements for disabled

persons. Ghanaian Telecommunications service providers do not install telephone devices for

the hearing and visually impaired. According to GFD, telecommunication service providers

have neither consulted them nor provided any special arrangements for PWDs.

There is no provision in the Ghana Telecommunication Policy that enjoins

telecommunication service providers to use techniques and technologies to promote

accessibility of the hearing impaired to communication services. Moreover, there are no

provisions directing the telecommunication companies to provide devices that are friendly to

PWDs on public telephone services. Devices like tactile marks on telephone sets can enable

persons with visual impairment to communicate through the telephone system.

8.3.1 Telephone

The telephone market in Ghana has recorded improvements over a decade. There are

presently about 892,000 payphones and ---fixed telephone lines. Mobile phones are creating

large new opportunities. Over 6.4 million Ghanaians use mobile phones as the main source of

communication45. This represents 29 percent of a population of 22 million. Mobile phones

are the most commonly used communication gadgets. For example, about 48 percent of

PWDs interviewed own mobile phones. Mobile phones were found to have made significant

impacts in the lives of many PWDs. The experience of one informant sums up the benefits.

“Before I got a mobile phone, I used to get stuck at many places. If there was no one around to help,

I found it difficult to move. With the advent of mobile phones, it’s a matter of a few seconds call and

someone would come to my aid”.

However, it came to light that the blind and visually impaired cannot read text messages because the

mobile phone in the market do not have voice prompt devices. This suggests that mobile phone

features are limited and not user friendly to the blind. The deaf only communicate on mobile phones

45 Ghana Telecom, Customer Access Network Report, 2007

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through text messaging but are excluded from benefiting from the substantial discounts being

provided by mobile phone operators such as MTN Zone.

Payphones are not disabled friendly. Design and location of payphone booths points of access

lack facilities that ease movement of PWDs. For instance, payphones do not give call prompts

to assist the blind to use it themselves.

8.3.2 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs)

ATMs do not have voice prompts to allow the blind to independently use them. According

to GAB, the blind find it difficult to withdraw money because they always have to walk into

the banks to withdraw money. One visually impaired informant lamented that:

“I asked someone to help me out to withdraw money on one Saturday. The person ended up

withdrawing more than I required and kept the remainder”.

Many persons with visual impairment shared similar experiences. This suggests how hard it is

for visually impaired persons to use this gadget to withdraw cash from the bank. Moreover,

the design and location of ATMs make it difficult for the physically disabled to access. In

addition, user guide/information on products is not in formats that are accessible to the

visually impaired or blind. Thus, the absence of braille instructions makes it harder for them

to access such facilities.

8.4 Assistive Technology

As mentioned earlier, assistive technology devices are employed by PWDs to increase,

maintain, or improve functional capabilities. PWDs can employ assistive devices such as

braille embossers, hearing aids, white canes, wheelchairs and calipers to participate fully in

society. As explained in this report PWDs acquire assistive devices personally or through the

benevolence of NGOs and the cost of these devices are expensive in the market as they are all

imported. PWDs lamented over the high cost involved in purchasing assistive device.

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OPPORTUNITIES

The government considers universal access and universal service to information and

communication as a fundamental right of every citizen

ICT technology has the potential of easing the communication and sight problem facing

the deaf and blind respectively

BARRIERS

There is no provision in the Ghana Telecommunication Policy that enjoins

telecommunication service providers to use technologies to promote accessibility of

the hearing impaired to communication services

Mobile phones do not contain devices that the blind can use.

ATMs and other similar gadgets do not have voice prompts to allow the blind to

independently use them

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THE MEDIA CONTEXT

9.1 Review of the Media Environment

This section reviews key media policy documents and legislations that relate to persons

with disabilities. The report in particular reviews the national media policy, the mandates

of the national media commission, the print media guide and broadcasting standards as

well as some international and local protocols and legislation as it relates to the media and

PWDs.

9.1.1 The National Media Commission

The National Media Commission (NMC) is a body mandated by the 1992 Constitution

(Article 166) to oversee the activities of the media in Ghana.

The NMC has as its functions;

The promotion of the freedom of independence of the media,

The promotion and ensuring of high journalistic standards;

The protection of state owned media from government control;

The development of regulations for the registration of newspapers and other

publications.

The investigation, mediation and settlement of complaints made against or by

the media.

A review of the functions, activities and programmes of the NMC reveal that the

Commission does not have specific mandate, programme or activities that ensure fair

coverage for vulnerable groups, particularly PWDs.

9.1.2 The National Media Policy

The National Media Policy has broader objectives to ensure that the media serves the

wellbeing of all Ghanaians especially the disadvantaged46.

46 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 21:15 (d)

SECTION 9

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The National Media policy document does not have a specific policy on PWDs but rather

advises media houses to give the ‘disadvantaged’ a universal access to the media (Pg. 21,

5.4). The policy document also makes mention of the promotion of consumption of the

media by the ‘disadvantaged’ (Pg.28, 6.15). PWDs are however part of these groups and

the media can still meet their obligation by covering other disadvantaged groups other

than PWDs.

9.1.3 The Print Media Guide

The Print Media Guidelines is document prepared by the National Media Commission to

regulate the professional conduct or practice of journalists in the print media to help the

press balance freedom of expression and the public right to know, with individual rights

and matters of national or public interest.

In the said guideline, journalists are advised to avoid “prejudicial or pejorative references

to a person’s race, ethnicity, colour, religion, gender or to any physical or mental illness

or disability”. The press is further advised not to “originate material, which encourages

discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, colour, religion, gender, physical illness

or disability” (Section 11).

9.1.4 Broadcasting Standards

The Broadcasting Standards is a document that outlines the standards or sets the bar for

broadcast media. It sets standards for preparation, presentation, transmission of

programmes and advertising material in Ghana. The broadcasting standards do not make

any mention of PWD or the coverage of disability issues. Neither does it make any

mention of other vulnerable groups. This implies that media houses are not obliged to

make their news broadcast, accessible to other vulnerable groups such as the deaf or the

hearing impaired.

9.1.5 The Disability Act 2006

The Persons with Disability Act does not say anything about how the media should relate

to the PWDs or the nature of reportage on issues of disability in Ghana.

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9.1.6 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability

The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities enjoins the State to

“…..undertake to adopt immediate, effective and appropriate measures encouraging all

organs of the media to portray persons with disabilities in a manner consistent with the

purpose of the present Convention”(Article 8).47

The Convention further obliges the state to encourage the mass media including the

providers of information through the internet, to make their services accessible to persons

with disabilities.’48 Article 30: in particular ‘…enjoy access to television programmes films,

theatre and other cultural activities, in accessible formats”.

9.2 Review of Policy Documents of Partner Organizations

A closer analysis of the documents of the three organizations (names withheld) revealed

that two of them have specific programmes on disability. This means that disability issues

are not mainstreamed in all their programmes but rather, disability is a programme on its

own. In their programmes, issues of disability are deeply covered and there is awareness

creation on these issues. One of these organizations has recently succeeded in

mainstreaming disability issues in every programme. All the same, the genesis of this was a

specific project on advocating for the government to recognize certain issues facing

PWDs, from then on, the organization decided to mainstream disability in all its

programmes. Disability issues have benefited from media coverage whenever any of these

organizations had an activity, which has got to do with disability; however, this has not

always been the case, because sometimes the organizations have activities on their other

programmes which are not necessarily about disability.

9.3 Content Analysis of the Daily Graphic

This section of the report presents the results of the content analysis of the Daily Graphic

Newspaper and analysis of the interviews conducted with media houses.

47 UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Article 8: 2 (c)


9.3.1 Background of Daily Graphic

The Daily Graphic is a state owned daily, which publishes

Sundays). It covers mostly news and current affairs, and it has a

largest circulating newspaper since 1950. It publishes an average of 80,000 copies a day. It

uses the tabloid format (50 cm X 35 Cm). However, it has no permanent column for legal

issues particularly relating to persons with disabil

Being a state owned newspaper, Daily Graphic is vested with certain public and social

responsibilities, aimed at promoting national development. Like the state owned

electronic media, the paper is expected to

educate, motivate, inform, teach

change behavior by providing regular

information on developmental issues. It is

thus necessary to examine the role D

Graphic plays in helping to reduce

problem of stigmatization, discrimination

and social neglect facing persons with

disabilities and how it has sustained and

kept public attention focused on issue.

0

1

2

3

4

5

6

Education Event Legal Policy

Figure 12: Classification ofDisability Related stories


9.3.1 Background of Daily Graphic

ate owned daily, which publishes six times a week (excluding

Sundays). It covers mostly news and current affairs, and it has always been the nation’s



issues particularly relating to persons with disabilities.



electronic media, the paper is expected to

educate, motivate, inform, teach and

change behavior by providing regular

information on developmental issues. It is

thus necessary to examine the role Daily

Graphic plays in helping to reduce the

problem of stigmatization, discrimination

social neglect facing persons with

s and how it has sustained and

kept public attention focused on issue.

9.3.2 Examination of the Editorial Content

of the Daily Graphic

The report found 18 disability related stories

after reviewing the content of 105 publications

representing 8% of Graph

content (2246 stories in total) during a

month period (Figure 11

the Graphic reportage on PWDs can be seen as

negligible considering the magnitude of

problems facing PWDs.

Nondisabilityrelatedissues92.%

Figure 11: Percentage of TotalGraphic Publications on disability

Related issues (May

Policy Publicopinion

Figure 12: Classification ofDisability Related stories

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six times a week (excluding

lways been the nation’s





9.3.2 Examination of the Editorial Content

The report found 18 disability related stories

after reviewing the content of 105 publications

representing 8% of Graphic’s total editorial

2246 stories in total) during a five -

1). The percentage of

the Graphic reportage on PWDs can be seen as

negligible considering the magnitude of

Disabil.Relatedissues8%

Figure 11: Percentage of TotalGraphic Publications on disability

Related issues (May -Sept 2008 )


9.3.3 Classification of Disability Related Stories

In all the 18 disability related stories that were identified, 28 percent of the stories were

public opinion (see Figure 12

related to Education or Events on PWDs

Eleven percent (11%) centered on issues of right

reportage of public opinion about

PWDs. This suggests that the general

public is increasingly becoming

interested in disability issues. Events

organized by PWDs also received some

significant coverage. Public education

about disability also received some

coverage.

9.3.4 Source and Structure of Stories

Figure 13 describes the various sources

The structure of a story refers to the form in which reports are made. The various

structures are appropriate for specific news items relating to disability issues. As such the

report examined the structure of stories

of the stories were hard news report while featured article

disability stories (see Figure 14

Editoral5%

FeatureArticle

HardNews73%

Figure 14: Structure of disabilityStories


Disability Related Stories

disability related stories that were identified, 28 percent of the stories were

e 12). Twenty two percent (22%) of the stories were

Events on PWDs. Seventeen percent (17%)

centered on issues of rights of PWDs. The results

reportage of public opinion about

PWDs. This suggests that the general

public is increasingly becoming

interested in disability issues. Events

organized by PWDs also received some

significant coverage. Public education

eived some

of Stories

describes the various sources

of stories relating to disability

Graphic receives. A large proportion

reports (70%) came from staff of the daily

graphic. Other sources including articles

received from individuals formed 18 percent

of the reportage. The remaining 12 percent of

the stories came from the GNA

suggest that disability related stories are

reported directly by the staff of the Daily

Graphic.

9.3.5 Structure of Stories



report examined the structure of stories reported by the Daily Graphic. About 70 percent

of the stories were hard news report while featured articles constituted 22 percent of the

(see Figure 14). Editorial reports forms 5% of the stories. The results

GNA12%

Othersources

18%

Figure 13: Source of disabilitystories

FeatureArticle

22%

Figure 14: Structure of disability

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disability related stories that were identified, 28 percent of the stories were

. Twenty two percent (22%) of the stories were either

focused on policies.

of PWDs. The results show a high

stories relating to disability, which Daily

A large proportion of

reports (70%) came from staff of the daily

ources including articles

from individuals formed 18 percent

of the reportage. The remaining 12 percent of

the stories came from the GNA. The results

suggest that disability related stories are

reported directly by the staff of the Daily



reported by the Daily Graphic. About 70 percent

constituted 22 percent of the

f the stories. The results

GraphicStaff70%

Figure 13: Source of disabilitystories


show frequent reportage of hard news and feature

more than editorials.

occupied the front, middle and back pages

under review (see Figure 15). All the 18 stories identified were scattered on other

the newspaper. If placement is used

prominence have been given

issues.

The Size of Disability Stories

The size of the story also attaches

prominence to the story. The size

disability stories were measured by

multiplying the length of the story (in

centimeters by the breadth).

found that all the 15 out of the 18

stories reported by the graphic were less

than one quarter of a page (see Figure

None of the disability stories covered

half, three fourth or full page. The largest

page that was given to disability issues was one

percent of the coverage.

0

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15

20

Figure 15: Placement given toDisability Related Stories


hard news and featured articles on disability related issues

9.3.6 The Prominence Given to Disability

related Stories

Placement of the Story

The report measured the prominence given

to disability related stories. This was

achieved by analyzing the position of such

stories in the newspaper, the size of the

story, the enhancement of such stories with

photographs and editorials. The results

revealed that none of the disability stories

occupied the front, middle and back pages of Daily Graphic within the 5 month p

All the 18 stories identified were scattered on other

If placement is used as a yardstick, one can concludes that

prominence have been given to disability

size of the story also attaches

the story. The sizes of the

measured by

ng the length of the story (in

entimeters by the breadth). The report

found that all the 15 out of the 18 disability

stories reported by the graphic were less

quarter of a page (see Figure 16).

None of the disability stories covered one

half, three fourth or full page. The largest

isability issues was one-fourth of a page. This constituted about 3

Figure 15: Placement given toDisability Related Stories

0

5

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15

1/2page

1/3page

1/4page

Figure 16 : Size of disabilityRelated stories

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articles on disability related issues

The Prominence Given to Disability

The report measured the prominence given

to disability related stories. This was

by analyzing the position of such

in the newspaper, the size of the

story, the enhancement of such stories with

photographs and editorials. The results

revealed that none of the disability stories

of Daily Graphic within the 5 month period

All the 18 stories identified were scattered on other pages of

a yardstick, one can concludes that not much

page. This constituted about 3

1/4page

fullpage

< 1/4page

Figure 16 : Size of disabilityRelated stories

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Enhancement of Stories with Photographs

Another key indicator of prominence is

the enhancement of stories with

pictures. The report thus found out how

the Daily Graphic enhanced stories

relating to PWDs with pictures. Of all

the 18 stories identified, none was

covered with photographs (see Figure

17). One of the prominent stories was in

the editorial section of the newspapers.

This issue was captured in the June 30th

edition of the newspaper. It was

captioned, the Disability Act Must

Bite”. Although the lack of pictures in

disability stories may be said to be an evidence of lack of prominence on the issues, the

editorial captioned is an important step by the newspaper to educate the public about the

plight of PWDs and the need for government to implement the disability.

9.3.7 Monthly Publications

The report examined the frequency of publications of Disability related stories reported

by the Daily Graphic per month. The

month that recorded the most stories

about disability issues was the month of

August 2008 (50 percent). This was

followed by the month of September (22

percent) and then July and May with 11

percent each (See Figure 18).

1

5

12

0

Editorials FeatureArticlewith

pictures

FeatureArticlewithoutpictures

Hard newwithoutpictures

Hard newwith

pictures

Figure 17: Enhancement of storieswith photographes

21

2

9

4

May June July August September

Figure 18: Distribution ofMonthly Publications

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9.4 Analysis of Interview with Media Houses

9.4.1 Availability of Disability Related Issues in Media Programmes

Key informants in the media houses were asked to express their opinion on whether their

media houses have specific programmes on disability issues. Half of the informants (5)

indicated media houses have less specific programme on disability issues. Three (3) of the

media houses have specific programme on disability issues. The remaining two responded

in the negative.

The informants who responded in the “yes” category were further asked to name the

specific programmes of their media houses which feature disability issues. All of them

answered in affirmative that they had such programmes. The informants further said they

tried to feature disability issues in their news items as well as other current affairs

programs. One producer outlined how his media house tries to have sign-language

interpretation for programmes with public interest. There was also a detailed explanation

by two interviewees of how another TV station intensively covered the involvement of

PWDs in the electoral process, thus justifying the media house’s interest in disability

issues.

9.4.2 Perceived Adequacy of Media Reportage on Disability Issues

Nine of out of the 10 informants agreed that media houses could do better on disability

issues. The result suggests that there is a general acceptance among producers and program

managers in these media houses to improve upon their coverage of disability issues.

Organizations of Persons with Disabilities could therefore coordinate with their programs

and lobby media houses to feature their concerns.

9.4.3 Nature of Disability Issues of Interest to Media Houses/ Journalist

Key informants were asked to indicate the issues where PWDs are likely to receive

coverage. Eight out of the 10 informants stated that their media houses are most likely to

cover issues relating to PWDs if it carries information which portrays PWDs as people

who needed assistance/support. The response of the media houses supports the ‘charity

model’ of disability where many people view PWDs as individuals who need assistance

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rather than people demanding their basic and equal rights. Two of the respondents also

indicated that they are more likely to cover PWDs if they do things extra ordinary things.

9.4.4 Perceived Challenges Facing Journalists / Media Houses in Covering Disability

Issues

Key informants were finally asked to name the challenges they face in covering issues

relating to PWDs. The responses are presented below (verbatim):

KEY CHALLENGES FACING JOURNALIST (VERBATIM)

Their issues are sometimes not newsworthy.

We don’t know how to get [access] to them.

They [PWDs] are not so prominent

A lot of attention is given to other ‘top’ things.

What do I get at the end? It is not very interesting to most journalists because most

of the times there are no good benefits (T&T)

They don’t come out strongly

Fear of “returns” [questions of money at the end of the program arise].

Linking the venue of a story to where it will feature [There is a general assumption

that if an activity has been conducted in a posh place, then the story is newsworthy

and it will most likely receive headline coverage; however if the activity has been

carried out in a simple place, then the editor can even dismiss it before looking at it].

Logistics and Resources [incentives to journalists].

Editorial decisions

Newsworthiness

There are no challenges; it’s just a question of the media house making ‘disability’ a

priority (which it has not so far).

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9.4.5 Suggestion ons How PWDs could Improve Media Coverage of Their Issues.

Key informants were finally asked about what they think PWDs should do to improve

media coverage of disability issues.

Below is the summary of responses:

It is evident from the above findings that the media does not have adequate information

on PWDs nor does it face any direct or indirect pressure from any recognized body to

cover disability issues. This is corroborated by lack of a National Media Policy’s feature

on disability issues. Where there is a blanket use of the term ‘vulnerable’ or

‘disadvantaged’ to denote PWDs, the media houses giving it different meanings could hide

behind and say they have covered those with “vulnerability issues”, which cover PWDs.

This suggests that there is the need for OPWDs to work very hard to cover this gap.

OPWDs could consider targeting the NMC in their advocacy strategy. The NMC is

central and has government recognition; if the NMC puts emphasis on this issue, possibly

it can yield results.

SUGGESTIONS BY MEDIA HOUSES TO PWDS

Advocacy

Organize program with the Media (i.e. to educate the media).

Advocate for recognition and Human Rights with equal privileges as citizens.

Ensure constant and closer relationship with the media

Be proactive and draw attention to their activities.

Make follow ups.

Media should be more pro-active; it’s their moral obligation to society to cover all

people.

PWDs should put more pressure on the media

Work in partnership with the media but must be [PWDs] in the forefront.

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Since the media has been directly mentioned in some provisions of the UN Convention as

well as implied in other articles, this offers a huge opportunity to OPWDs and other

stakeholders to use the Convention as a lobbying tool. This is because such a tool can be

used as a point of reference by OPWDs when pressurizing for more media coverage. In

Ghana, the Convention can be used together with the disability Act 2006 for broader

impact, even though the Government of Ghana has not yet ratified the UN Convention

[at the time of writing this report].

The partner organizations of GFD seem to enjoy relatively good media coverage

whenever they organize their activities. However, the challenge is that not all of these

organizations’ activities cover disability issues. If they do, there would be no doubt that

disability issues would enjoy more coverage through these organizations. A lesson for

OPWDs is that they should push for the mainstreaming of disability issues in all the

programs of their partner organizations (even those dealing with specific themes such as

Governance, Education; Health; Women etc) so that in the coverage of such issues,

disability issues too will be covered.

The content analysis of the Daily Graphic shows that disability issues receive relatively

little coverage. Disability issues are also not given much prominence in the Daily Graphic

with none of the issues covering the front, middle and the back page of the newspaper.

The size of the coverage was also relatively smaller. OPWDs should therefore lobby the

editor of these newspapers to get a column where issues affecting PWDs would be

featured.

It is clear that media houses concur on the fact that disability issues do not get adequate

coverage. This offers both an opportunity (i.e. they are aware and this can be used as an

entry point) as well as a challenge (they know yet they seem unable to do anything about

it!). It is also a challenge that majority of the respondents are stuck in the ‘Charity Model’

since they would present PWDs as people who need assistance. At the same time, it is

worrying that some of the Media Houses, by including Sign Language Interpretation and

coverage of the electoral process, feel that justifiably, they are doing a lot in the coverage

of disability issues. This revelation shows the kind of awareness that may be necessary for

the Media Houses. It will be necessary for OPWDs to press on Media Houses exactly

what kind of coverage they demand. All the challenges listed above can be grouped into

the following broad headings:

1. Newsworthiness and the packaging of OPWDs for the media.

2. Benefits/Returns to journalists.

3. Editorial decisions.

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4. Lack of information and thus/ or interest by Media Houses on disability issues.

Each of the four above can be a part of an Advocacy Strategy when targeting the Media.

Although unethical, many journalist expert some T&T after covering news items and

since PWDs are perceived as poor they do not see covering disability issues as “lucrative”

in terms of what they will get in return. OPWDs, therefore, need to change their

approach by organizing events (such as press conferences) in a very beautiful setting. This

will help change the image of journalists who see PWDs as poor and not able to give them

their expected “piola” (tips) as used in media cycles.

Many professionals do not know how to access PWDs. It will be appropriate if PWDs

organize frequent media encounter to present their issues. The advocacy committee of

OPWDs should, therefore, develop strong relationships with the media houses to

promote their interest. OPWDs can also institute an award system for the best Journalist

or Media House that covers disability issues. To sustain the impact, this should be an

annual event to push many journalists to cover disability issues.

Likewise, the way forward given by the journalists (response to the question ‘what should

PWDs do to ensure more coverage) can be broadly grouped into:

1. Effective packaging of disability issues for the media

2. Closer relations with the media

The above challenges and the way forward can be pointers on:

What (the packaging of issues to make them newsworthy)

Where (the levels of the Media House structures to target)

How (issues to present and how to sustain the interest of journalists) to

create awareness, lobby and advocate for coverage of disability issues by

the media in the advocacy strategy.

This gives a lot of hope; that with the right strategies in place, it is possible to attain good

media coverage of disability issues. All this will feed into the larger advocacy strategy.

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SUMMARY &CONCLUSIONS

10.1 Introduction

This section provides the conclusion remark of the study. It summaries the disability

situation in a form of a conceptual framework to visualize how advocacy could change the

present situation to a more humane situation

10.2 Summary and Conclusions

The analysis of the various contexts in this report has revealed a pattern of exclusion,

vulnerability and poverty among persons with disabilities in the Ghanaian society. Thus,

there is no dispute about the fact that persons with disabilities particularly, WWD are among

the most excluded in our society.

The analysis of the various environments has revealed that the present social predicament of

persons with disabilities in the Ghanaian society, emanates from two main factors namely;

socio-cultural and institutional factors. Figure 19 below provides a summary of the disability

situation in the form of a conceptual framework and highlights the relationship among these

factors as well as its effects on persons with disabilities. It further shows how PWDs could

change the present situation through coordinated and consistent advocacy, lobbying and

campaigns.

As the report finds, Ghanaians attitudes and behaviours towards persons with disabilities are

occasioned by socio-cultural factors such as our traditional practices, norms, values, belief

systems and social relations. Persons with disabilities are facing discrimination,

stigmatization, marginalization and poverty by virtue of the way we perceive disability in

Ghana. Thus PWDs are perceived as:

a curse from God /gods and therefore should be discarded or isolated; and should notbe associated with either in marriage or in the arena of traditional power;

a disgrace to the family and therefore need to be hidden from public view and;

physically weak and incapable and therefore cannot contribute in any way to thesocio- economic development processes

SECTION 10

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Figure 26: Conceptual Framework of the Disability Situation in Ghana

(Source: JMK Research, 2008)

Drivers of the

situation

SOCIO-CULTURAL

FACTORS

Gender biases

Traditional practices

Beliefs

Values

norms

Social relation

INSTITUTIONAL

FACTORS

Weak public

institutions

Non responsive

private sector

Lack of political will

Poor legislations

Weak Civil Society

groups

PRESENTSITUATION

Poverty

Stigmatization

Marginalization

Lack of access toresources

Discrimination

Low self esteem Lack of equal

opportunities

Fragrant disregard ofthe right of PWDs

EXPECTED

SITUATION

Equal opportunities

Respect for the right of

PWDs.

Reduced dependency

Adequate institutional

protection

Mitigated poverty

Equal participation

Improved status &

recognition

COORDINATED

ADVOCACY

Media Advocacy

Lobbying

Policy/legislative

advocacy

Networking

Petitioning

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Apart from the socio-social cultural factors, institutional weaknesses have further

compounded the problems of persons with disabilities. The social welfare systems in Ghana

are dysfunctional and PWDs have no social protection against discrimination,

marginalization, and poverty meted out on them by these factors. Although the state has

made some effort by formulating laws and policies to safeguard the needs and rights of

PWDs, weak institutions and lack of political will have made these laws and policies to exist

only on paper. Some of these laws and policies are also weak and do not adequately address

the fundamental needs of PWDs. The situation where the disability Act for example makes

free healthcare provision for only persons with severe disability is worrying as the word

“severe” is subject to many interpretations and could prevent many poor PWDs from

accessing healthcare. The piecemeal approach to legislation and policy implementation has

limited PWDs’ access to health, education, social services and sports among others. They are

unable to access public places and find it difficult securing employment.

The private sector such as financial institutions, telecommunication companies and

employers have also ignored the plight of PWDs as they are not factored in their

product/service delivery despite the fact that PWDs constitute a significant market [by virtue

of their population]. Many NGOs and civil societies have also overlooked the plight of

PWDs thus leaving the various public and private institutions to operate on their own terms

when it comes to disability issues. The mass media which is one of the agents of change in the

Ghanaian society have contributed to the present disability situation as they do not provide

adequate coverage on disability issues and /or do not portray persons with disabilities in the

positive light.

These two factors (i.e. socio-cultural and institutional ) interact to produce the present

situation of low self esteem, poverty, discrimination, marginalization, low status and

recognition, lack of access to public services, and infrastructure , etc. among persons with

disabilities.

There is however some hope for persons with disabilities as they could act to change the

status quo. There is a general recognition among the government/ policymakers that PWDs

are disadvantaged. This implies that OPWDs do not need to begin their advocacy effort from

the scratch. The above review have presented the disability situation and highlighted on a

number of advocacy opportunities as well as some barriers in the external environment.

Below are key issues worth considering:

i. The disability Act 2006 (Act 715) for example provides strong ammunition to

PWDs to change their present situation. The Labour Act 2003 and Labour

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Regulation 2007 as well as other international Conventions ( such as the

Convention on the Right of Persons with Disabilities(CRPD) may be pursued to

influence policy decisions of both the government and private sector actors.

However the necessary legislative instrument that is needed to facilitate the

implementation of the Act has not been developed. OPWDs may as a short term

measure advocate for the development of the LI.s as the absence of the legislative

instrument may slow the implementation of major policy changes that is

supposed to take place in the area of health and education.

ii. Furthermore, the Disability Council which is expected to monitor the

implementation of the relevant section of the disability Act has been set up but

not inaugurated. OPWDs may as a short term measure push for the inauguration

and functioning of the Disability Council. The disability movement could achieve

a lot with the functioning of the disability council as it has strong OPWDs

representation.

iii. The District Assembly Common Fund also presents a short term advocacy issues

for the disability movement. The government does not often release the fund on

time, and even where it does, it is not released fully. District Assemblies however

finance their projects from this fund and the little funds, which the government

releases at a point in time, are given out to contractors and other beneficiary

projects to the detriment of PWDs. The disability movement may explore the

possibility of lobbying the Administrator of the DACF to deduct PWDs share of

the funds into a special accounts managed by the National Council on Disability

(if is established) who will then further disburse to PWDs at the various districts

to carry out their programmes and activities upon submission.

iv. One of the major challenges identified in the review is implementation of policies

and programmes. In many cases persons with disability are not factored in

progrmame design and implementation. In situation where they are recognized,

implementation hitches frustrate the objectives of the interventions. To prevent

the reoccurrence of some of these policy omissions and inactions, the disability

movement may as a long term measure set up a policy monitoring team which

will monitor government policies and programmes during the planning and

implementation stage at both national and district level. This would ensure that

the needs of PWDs are factored into each programme and policies of the

government. The advocacy committees of OPWDs may issue regular position

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paper on specific government programmes and policies and follow it up with

intensive lobbying and media advocacy to ensure that each government

programmes and activities mirrors the concerns of PWDs.

v. Although the disability law came into force more than two years ago, there is no

monitoring mechanism within the state or the disability movement to ensure

compliance of certain relevant provisions such as the requirement for all new

public buildings to be disability friendly. Perhaps it is the responsibility of the

Disability Council to ensure compliance of the various legislative provisions but

the disability movement can also set up an independent monitoring team that

will carry out regular accessibility audit to ensure that this very provision are

adhered to by all concerned. To reduce cost, the team from OPWDs could

embark on quarterly inspection of all new buildings and make their findings

public to create the necessary awareness among stakeholders to comply. There

should be wide publicity of the quarterly accessibility audit report to increase

impact. OPWDs may also form alliance with the Town and Country Planning

department, the Department of Urban Roads and District Assemblies to ensure

that all designs comply with the tenants of the disability Act.

vi. Access to education by persons with hearing impairment is a major problem as

discussed in this report. ICT could be employed to enhance the deaf access to

tertiary education. This could be achieved by making all the course models at the

university level in visual format with sign language inserts. The deaf could

therefore access this information from a special computer laboratory with large

screen. The programme could be designed with a feedback system where the

student with hearing impairment could ask the virtual tutor/lecturer any

question for response. This programme could be delivered across many centres in

tertiary institutions in Ghana thus solving the problem of requiring many

interpreters for one student with hearing impairment. GNAD may approach the

Ministry of Education, IT Firms and donor agencies to develop and pilot this

concept as a long terms advocacy issue.

The report contains a number of concrete recommendations for consideration by OPWDs.

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Appendixes

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Appendix 1:

Terms of Reference

Strengthening the Disability Movement in Ghana through building

advocacy and organizational capacity

Background:

In 2006 the Disability Act was passed by the Parliament in Ghana. With the Disability

Act in place the disability movement has been issued an important advocacy frame. This

opportunity calls for increased focus on advocacy as well as on cooperation and

coordination between the disabilities organizations in Ghana. In June 2008 Danish

International Development Agency, DANIDA approved the project “Strengthening the

Disability Movement in Ghana through building advocacy and organizational capacity” to

create a new framework for joint cooperation among actors of the disability movement

and building up the strategic capacity within the organizations. The partners behind the

project are Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD), Ghana Association of the Blind

(GAB), Ghana Society for the Physically Disabled (GSPD), and their three Danish sister

organizations. The project will cover three pilot districts.

Objective for the consultancy:

Identify opportunities and barriers for influencing politics and explicitly developing

strategies to ensure a shift from activity driven planning to a more dynamic

approach.

To equip the three project organizations with practical experience regarding the

process of developing an advocacy strategy. To establish a framework for initiating

a feasible Monitoring and Evaluation system.

Scope of work:

Shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, the following tasks:

An analysis of the political, economic, social, cultural technological and legal

context in Ghana – to be used as point of departure for strategy development

nationally and locally, to be tested in the three pilot districts.

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To facilitate and coach development of a framework for an advocacy strategy for

the project organisations.

To facilitate and coach development of a framework for a basic M&E system to be

used in the project organisations

Methodology:

The methods used must be gender sensitive and participatory in order to secure

ownership by involved organisations and persons.

Timing:

The consultancy is to be conducted during the period August 2008 – August 2009, with

the majority of work within August-December 2008.

For further details contact Rita Kyeremaa Kusi 240530 / 0244805887 or

Poul Joergensen 0248148213

Experience required:

The project is expecting to engage a team made up of both men and women.

Requirements include: Experience of working with NGOs (2 references will be required).

Willingness to travel within Ghana. Familiar with the disability movement in Ghana an

advantage.

How to apply:

Applications should include:

A covering letter indicating likely methodology and elaborating on relevant past

experience

CVs of all team members

A likely timeline for the action

Quotation

Details of two references

Proposal submittal and deadline:

Three sealed paper copies of the proposal shall be forwarded to Ghana Federation of the

Disabled (GFD)

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Location: Accra Rehabilitation Centre

Opposite National Museum, Adabraka

A copy of the proposal must be forwarded to [email protected]

No later than 2 weeks after the appearance of this advert.

For further information and background material, please contact Rita Kyeremaa Kusi tel:

240530 / 0244805887 or Poul Joergensen 0248148213.

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Appendix 2: Demographic Background of PWDs Interviewed

Appendix 3: Interview Guide (PWDs)

Demographics GAB GSPD GNAD Total

GENDER

Males 17 13 9 39 (44.8%)

Females 16 21 11 48 (55.2%)

Total 33 34 20 87(100)

AGE

<20 1 1 0 2(2.3%)

20-29 3 4 5 12(13.8)

30-39 4 18 8 30(34%)

40-49 10 9 6 25(28.7%)

50-59 7 2 1 9(10.3%)

>60 8 0 0 8(9%)

87(100%)

EDUCATIONAL

No Education 1 7 4 12(12.6%)

Basic education 6 12 8 26(25%)

Secondary school 9 6 4 19(19.5%)

Vocational/Tech 10 7 4 21(24.1%)

Polytech/UniversityDegree

7 2 0 9(13.7)

33 34 20 87(100%)

OCCUPATION

Trader/Vendor 7 11 3 21(24%)

Farmer 4 0 3 7(8%)

Unemployed 10 11 6 27(31%)

Artisans/Tradesmen/women

1 5 7 13(14.9%)

Formal Sectorworkers (Teacher/Instructor/

10 5 0 15 (17.2%)

Others 1 1 1 3(3.4%)

33 34 20 87(100)

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Answer the following questions about your background.

1. Gender [ ] Male [ ] Female

2. Age:…………………………

3. Indicate your highest level of education. (check one box)

[ ] Less than secondary school [ ] Completed secondary school[ ] Completedvocational/technical school [ ] University degree [ ] No Education

4. What is your occupation?...................................................................

TECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXT (GNAD MEMBERS ONLY)

1. Are you aware of hearing aids? [ ] Yes [ ] No

2. Have you ever used any hearing aid? [ ] Yes [ ] No3. If no, why?

[ ] The software is expensive [ ] The software is difficult to find[ ] The software is difficult to use [ ] Others please specify……

4. Do you find it difficult to communicate with people? [ ] Yes [ ] No

5. How do hear news? [ ] Information in subtitled and/or sign language videos[ ] Information via text telephones and/or email [ ] Read in the dallies [ ] Readon the internet [ ] Interpreted to you by your relative

6. Do you find it difficult to hear news? [ ] Yes [ ] No7. Do you watch television? [ ] Yes [ ] No8. Are you able to understand the message communicated to the audience? [ ] Yes [ ]No9. Do you have access to the internet? [ ] Yes [ ] No10. For how long have you been using the Internet? [ ] Less than five months [ ] Fivemonths to one year [ ] One year to one and half year [ ] Two years or more11. How often do you use the internet? [ ] Never [ ] Rarely [ ] Few times a week [ ]Daily [ ] Two to five times daily [ ] More than five times daily12. How many hours per week do you spend on internet?............................13. What do you use the internet for?14. Do you use a mobile phone? [ ] Yes [ ] No15. Do you own a mobile phone? [ ] Yes, regularly [ ] Yes, sometimes [ ] No

16. What do you use your mobile phone for?[ ] Calls [ ] SMS [ ] Address book [ ] Radio

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17. How do you find the usage of mobile phone? [ ] Useful [ ] Easy to use [ ]Challenging/demanding/difficult [ ] Irrelevant

SOCIAL CONTEXT HEALTH

1. Do you have access to a sign language interpreter when you attend hospitals?[ ] Yes [ ] No

2. If No to question 1 do you get the right diagnoses when you attend hospitals?[ ] Yes [ ] No

3. Are you registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme?[ ] Yes [ ] No

4. If No, what is the problem?

5. Were you able to access health care under the NHIS? [ ] Yes [ ] No

6. Do you have any other problem in accessing healthcare? Please explain

7.

EDUCATION

1. Do you have access to education? [ ] Yes [ ] No

2. If you answered No to question 1, what problems did you face that preventedyou from attending school?

3. Did you suffer any form of discrimination at school? [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ]

4. Did this form of discrimination affect your self esteem? [ ] Yes [ ] No [] Not sure

5. Were you able to attend mainstream schools? [ ] Yes [ ] No

6. If yes to question 5 above, which problem(s) did you face when you attendedmainstream schools?

7. Did the school have special facilities that meet your needs? [ ] Yes [ ] No

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8. If you answered No, what reasons did they give for denying you access tomainstream education?

9. Were you able to access schools made for Persons with disabilities (i.e. specialschools)?[ ] Yes [ ] No

Rehabilitation

1. Have you used the services of the rehabilitation centres before?[ ] Yes [ ] No

2. Did these facilities have the necessary equipment and resources that meet yourskills or career needs? [ ] Yes [ ] No [ ] Not sure

Were you able to get a job after the training?[ ] Yes [ ] No

3. If yes, which type of employment were you able to get after the training in therehabilitation centres?...................................................................................

4. If self employed, do you receive any support after the training/ trade [ ] Yes [ ]No

5. How will you describe the competitiveness (in terms of getting employment) ofthe programme or training that was offered at the Rehabilitation centres?

[ ] Very competitive [ ] somewhat competitive [ ] Not competitive

6. What will you suggest should be done to your curricular at the rehabilitationcentres?

[ ] Major changes to the curricular to make it market focused[ ] Adoption of IT related programmes in rehabilitation centres[ ] Other pleases specify? …………………………………………………………

Access to public infrastructure

1. How would you describe your access to public places?[ ] Very accessible [ ] somewhat accessible [ ] Not accessible

2. Do you have rehabilitation centres in your districts?

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[ ] Yes [ ] No

3. Are these centres well resourced? [ ] Yes [ ] No

Sports

1. What are the major constraints that face sports development of your association?2. Do you get the necessary support from the district sports committee?

[ ] Yes [ ] No

3. If yes to question 2 above, what is the nature of the support that you receive?

4. Could you describe the major sporting activities that your association participatesin?

5. What is the state of development of the various sports activities of your association?6. How important are sports to the integration and development of your association?

WWD and sports

1. Have you or any member of your association participated in any sporting activitiesorganized by the district or your association?

2. Which type of sporting activities do you / your women members partake in?

3. What challenges do you or your female members confront in engage in sportingactivities?

POLITICAL CONTEXT

1. Have you ever voted? [ ] Yes [ ] No

2. For how many times have you participated in voting?. [ ] Yes [ ] No

3. Did you encounter any problem in casting your vote? [ ] Yes [ ] No

4. What problem did you encounter?

5. How have you been voting?

[ ] Assisted by someone to vote [ ] Through the help of GFD[ ] Other, pleasespecify……

6. Do you belong to a political party? [ ] Yes [ ] No

7. Are you a registered member of the party? [ ] Yes [ ] No

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8. How have you been actively involved in the party’s activities? [ ] Yes [ ] No

9. Have you ever participated in political rallies? [ ] Yes [ ] No

10. Have you involved yourself in the leadership role of your party? [ ] Yes [ ] No

11. In what capacity were you involved?

12. Do you understand how political parties carry their messages? [ ] Yes [ ] No13. Have you stood for elections before? [ ] Yes [ ] No14. If no, why?15. What are the problems confronting you to stand for elections?16. Do you know of any PWD who has stood for election before? [ ] Yes [ ] No17. Would you vote for a PWD generally considered capable to represent you in the DA?[ ] Yes [ ] No18. Do you think that PWDs are as equally capable as persons without disability in

political leadership roles? [ ] Yes [ ] No19. Are you a member of any civil society groups?20 Do you occupy any position in this group?

ECONOMIC CONTEXT

Conditions in the Labour Market and Participation in the Labour Force

1. What employable skills do you have? [ ] Artisans [ ] Clerical or professional work2. Are you employed? [ ] Yes [ ] No

3. If you are employed, in which sector of the economy are you employed? [ ] Privatesector [ ] Public sector

4. If you answered No to question 2, why are you unemployed?

5. If you answered No to question 2, will you work if you are offered a job? [ ] Yes [ ]No

6. Have you ever applied for job and you were not offered the job? [ ] Yes [ ] No7. Please, can you explain why you were refused the job?8. How long have you been looking for a job and you cannot found one?9. As a person with disability, how difficult do you find job searching?

[ ] very difficult [ ] difficult [ ] somewhat difficult [ ] Not difficult10. If you are employed, how will you compare your working conditions to your co-

workers who do not have any form of disability?

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[ ] we have the same working conditions [ ] my working conditions are better[ ] Their working conditions are better

11. As a person with disability, do you lack any special equipment or logistics whichprevent you from performing your work well, as any other person without disabilitywould perform his or her work? [ ] Yes [ ] No

12. How does the absence of such logistics affect your work?[ ] Very negatively [ ] Negatively [ ] somewhat negatively [ ] It doesnot affect me in any way

13. To what extent will you say that the job market discriminates against persons withdisability? [ ] Very much [ ] Much [ ] No discrimination

14. Have you been discriminated against at work for any benefit or recognition due you asresult of your disability? O Yes O No

15. Please, could you explain any such discrimination16. Do you come from a wealthy home? [ ] Yes [ ] No17. Are some members of family held in high esteem in your community? [ ] Yes [ ]

No18. Do you think your father/ parents took very good care of you? [ ] Yes [ ] No19. What is your average monthly or daily income?20. Do you get remittance from relatives/friends? [ ] Yes [ ] No21. What is the average monthly remittance you get?

Finance

22. Have you applied for loan from any of the following sources before?

[ ] MASLOG [ ] Rural banks [ ] Commercial banks [ ] Ministry of women and ChildrenAffairs23. Were you given the loan? [ ] yes [ ] No24. If you were given the loan, how has it helped you improve your livelihood?

[ ] very much improvement [ ] much improvement [ ] no improvement25. If you were not given the credit, what was the reason for denying you the credit?26. Are you able to obtain credit from friends or relatives? [ ] Yes [ ] No

CULTURAL CONTEXT1. What do you think caused your disability?2. How would you describe your family members’ attitude towards you?

[ ] very good [ ] Good [ ] Bad [ ] very bad3. Do people in your community have a very good attitude towards you? [ ] Yes

[ ] No4. Do people call you names or labels?5. Please, could you mention some of these names and/or labels usually given to you

by people?

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6. How do you respond to people teasing you about your disability?7. To what extent will you say that such teasing or labeling has affected your

personality development and social life? [ ] I stopped school because of teasing[ ] I feel shy and timid to mingle with people without disability [ ] others, specify

8. Do you feel you are not equal to people without disability? [ ] Yes [ ] No9. If your answer to question 8 was yes, could you state the reason?10. Do you have any festivities or festivals in your community, in which persons with

disability are not allowed to take part. [ ] Yes [ ] No11. If your answer to question 8 was yes, please state some of those festivals or

festivities12. If you answered yes to question 10, what is the reason for such exclusion?13. Are there any other cultural values or beliefs you think exclude persons with

disability? Please, mention all of those values and beliefs.14. Do some of the cultural beliefs or values affect only women?15. Do you think that some traditional beliefs in your community offer male PWDs

better opportunity than their female counterparts? [ ] Yes [ ] No16. If your answer was yes to question 15, mention some of those beliefs17. Do you have any other thing to say about how the culture of your community

affects you?

INTERVIEW GUIDE (OTHER STAKEHOLDERS)

A. POLITICAL CONTEXT

1. How has political parties involved PWDs in their political process?

2. What effort has GFD put in place to ensuring equal participation of PWDs in thepolitical process?

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3. What institutional mechanisms exist to address the weak participation of persons

with disability in politics and public offices?

4. What identified challenges mitigate against the effective participation of persons

with disability in politics and public offices?

5. What measures have GFD or other OPWDs put in place to address them?

6. In what ways do you think PWDs themselves contribute to reducing the challenges

that hinder their effective participation in politics and public offices?

7. Do you get information about the distribution of 2% of DACF at your district

offices?

8. How do you get information about DACF allocation to the disabled?

9. To what degree do electoral systems are accessible to people with disabilities?

10. To what extent do PWDs participate in electoral events?

11. How does your organization relate to other national NGOs and civil society

groups?

12. Do you find the interaction with these NGOs fruitful?

13. What do you think should be done to improve OPWDs relationship with the

larger disability network?

B. ECONOMIC CONTEXT

1. Generally, how do you describe the employment conditions of PWDs in Ghana?

2. In your own rough estimation, how do you compare the unemployment situation of

PWDs to the general unemployment problem in Ghana?

3. How often do you receive complains from your members about harsh employment

conditions, discrimination, etc.

4. What has your organization been doing to improve the employment conditions and

opportunities for persons with disability?

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5. What are some of the common challenges your organization faces in pursuing any

agenda aimed at alleviating difficulties affecting the employment of persons with

disability?

6. To what extent will you say PWDs are more credit constrained than persons without

disability

7. What are you doing to improve the credit accessibility of PWDs?

8. What form of support do need from stockholder agencies in order to help improve

PWDs access to credit?

9. In terms of unemployment and access to credit, how will you compare the situation of

male PWDs and female PWDs?

Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Credit Scheme

1. For how long have you been in operation?

2. In your estimation, what percentage of your credit facility do you earmark for

persons with disability?

3. What are the basic requirements for the loans you provide?

4. Do you have a special provision for women with disability?

5. Could you describe such provisions?

6. Do you extend credit facilities to male PWDs?

7. Do you have any special program of action aimed at improving the economic well-

being of persons with disability especially women with disability? Please, describe as

such programme?

Medium and Small Scale Loans (MASLOG)

1. For how long have you been in operation?

2. On average, how much loan do you give to persons who seek financial assistance

for their business?

3. In your estimation, what percentage of your loans goes to persons with disability

operating medium and small scale businesses?

4. What are the basic requirements for the loans you provide?

5. Do you have a special provision for persons with disability? Could you describe

such provisions?

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6. Given that women with disability wallow in severe economic conditions than their

male counterparts, do you have in place any special programme to help alleviate the

plight of women with disability?.

Commercial Banks, Savings and Loans and Rural Banks

1. How often do you find persons with disability applying for credit from your bank?

2. In your estimation, how often are their applications successful?

3. Do you have any special credit facility for them?

4. If yes, could you explain how such facility is special from the normal credit facility

or banking service for them?

Government Economic Policies and Programmes

Millennium challenge account

1. It there any special programme being financed by the Millennium Challenge

Account that is geared towards improving the livelihood of persons with disability?

2. Briefly, could you describe the program and how it will improve the lots of PWDs

in Ghana?

3. Which group of PWDs stands to benefit much from the above program?

4. How do women with disability stand to gain better than their male counterparts?

5. How do you think persons with disability will benefit from any other programmes

being financed by the millennium challenge account?

6. Any other comment……………..?

Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy

1. Given that most of the PWDs in Ghana form part of the poorest proportion of the

population, how does the GPRS incorporate the special concerns of persons with

disability?

2. How does GPRS take care of the employment and poverty reduction needs of persons

with disability?

3. Could you please explain the extent to which any provisions for PWDs have been

implemented and the likely impact of such interventions?

4. Do you intend to run special programmes that seek to improve the poverty situation

of persons with disabilities?

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5. Where do you place women with disability in your intervention programmes or

projects?

Livelihood Empowerment against Poverty (LEAP)

1. How much will each disabled person get from the grant?

2. Is the grant going to be given to beneficiaries on a consistent and regular basis?

3. What kind of support are you going to extend to PWDs with productive capacity

but are vulnerable to the risk of poverty, who will be supported to benefit from

existing Social Protection measures such as:

Youth Employment Programme,

Micro Finance Scheme,

Community–Based Rehabilitation etc.

4. How unconditional is the grant?

5. Women with disability are said to be doubley discriminated against, how does the

LEAP programme make provision for women with disability?

C. THE SOCIAL CONTEXT

Health

8. Has the Ghana Health Service made provisions at health facilities for Persons with

Disability that have hearing impairment in seeking medical attention?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

[ ] Not sure

9. If No, is there any reason for the absence of such services?

10. Are there special facilities (such as beds) at hospitals in which persons with

physical disability who cannot climb the normal beds are examined?

[ ] Yes

[ ] No

11. If No to question 3 above, what are the reasons for lack of these facilities?

12. How are Calipers supplied to persons with Physical Disability by the Ministry of

Heath/ Ghana Health Service?

[ ] Supplied Free of charge

[ ] Supplied at Subsidized price

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[ ] Not supplied at all

13. How does the NHIS cater for the health needs of PWDs

14. Does the National Health Insurance Scheme cater for persons with disabilities who

need special medical services due to their disability?

15. If No, what are the reasons preventing the adoption of this policy measures?

Education

1. Name of Persons……………………………………

2. Position …….......................................................

3. Does the GES have a definite policy in determining who qualifies for special needs

services? Yes No

4. If yes to question 1 above, what is the nature of the policy?

5. Why has the GES labeled schools of PWDs with ‘names that connote their

disability (e.g “A” school for the Blind etc)?

6. Do you find it as discriminatory? [ ] Yes [ ] No

7. If yes, what do you think should be done?

8. Our educational system to does not have special units for children with intellectual

disabilities on the premises of regular schools. What is the GES’s policy on social

integration of PWDs into mainstream schools?

9. What is the GES policy on integrating the blind, the hearing impaired into the

mainstream Junior and Senior High Schools as well as the Public Universities?

10. Are these policies being implemented?

11. If yes, what is holding back the implementation of such a policy?

12. Many educational facilities in the country are not disabled friendly, what has the

Ministry of Education and GES done to make all public schools disability friendly?

13. There appear to be stigma against PWDs in schools in Ghana, what effort has the

Ministry of Education and the GES putting in place to ensure that PWDs are not

stigmatized?

14. Educational institutions of PWDs are in deplorable states, what policy intervention

has the Ministry of Education put in place to address this problem?

Access to the Built Environment

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1. Name of Persons………………………………………………

2. Position ………………………………………………………….

3. How accessible are public places for PWDs?

4. Are contractors and Architects aware of the requirement of the Disability Act 2006

which enjoins them to make all new buildings disabled friendly?

5. If no, what is impeding the adoption of the legislative requirement?

6. Are there policies that require road contractors to include ramps friendly to PWDs

in road construction designs?

7. Some districts do not have rehabilitation centers, what has the Government done/

is doing to address these infrastructural needs of PWDs?

8. If no, what are the issues preventing the adoption of this policy measures?

Sports

1. Name of Persons………………………………………………………………………..

2. Position ……………………………………………………………………………………

3. What is the Government Policy on Sports development for PWDs in Ghana?

4. Do the national Sport Council or the Ministry of Education and Sport recognize

sports as an effective tool for integrating PWDs into society? [ ] Yes

[ ] No

5. How much premium does your Ministry place on sports for PWDs?

6. Following from question 3, to what extent has the importance you place on the

sports of PWDs reflected in the policies and activities of the Ministry?

7. Is there any special program of action your Ministry is embarking to improve

sports for PWDs in Ghana? [ ] Yes [ ] No

8. If you answered yes to the question 5 could you describe any such programme or

activity?

9. One major source of exclusion of children with disability in schools is the low

participation of such children in sports. What is your ministry doing to resolve this

problem?

10. Do you have any other comment you would like to add?

D. THE CULTURAL CONTEXT

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Chiefs/ Queen mothers

18. Traditionally and culturally, how do people recognize disability in your traditionalarea?

19. Do people in your area still consider persons with disability as insipid and outcasts?20. Can a person with disability assume a traditional position in your society?21. Specifically, can a person with disability become a chief in your area?22. If persons with disability cannot become chiefs, why is it so?23. Do you think peoples’ beliefs and perception about disability in your area is

changing for better?24. Do traditional authorities in your area find it necessary to help change some of the

cultural beliefs about disability that lead the social exclusion of PWDs?

25. Can you describe what is being done to help the situation of disability in your localarea?

Ministry of Culture and Chieftaincy Affairs

26. Why is it that the cultural policy of Ghana does do not directly incorporate how tochange the negative parts of our culture that affect the human development of theculturally excluded individuals especially persons with disability?

27. Does your ministry recognize that there are some hidden treasures in all excludedindividuals in our society that has been left untapped because they have beenexcluded?

28. Does your ministry have any plan, being it long or short term, that seeks tomainstream person with disability into society by carrying an action plan to changesome of the cultural beliefs affecting persons with disability?

29. Does such a plan take special care of women with disability?

30. In your personal view, how do you think cultural exclusion meted out to personswith disability can be dealt with?

31. Any other document.

E. TECHNOLOGICAL CONTEXT

Ministry of Communication & Technology

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1. Does the government have ICT support programs for the physically challenged toenable them benefit from the use of IT based services? [ ] Yes[ ] No

2. Do you urge stakeholders to initiate program in ICT that would address theemployment, communication needs of the disadvantaged and physicallychallenged? [ ] Yes[ ] No Please explained further

3. How are ICTs currently being used to help the disabled in relation to the strategiesand policies stipulated in the National ICT Policy?

4. What are the common challenges and constraints faced by government inimplementing the National ICT Policy section on the disabled?

5. In what way can the government bring the blind ICT centres closer to the visuallyimpaired to enable them to attain training and increase their marketability on thejob market?

6. Does the government abide by the Geneva Declaration of Principles, which statesthat governments should address capacity building, and provides that the “use ofICTs in all stages of education, training and human resources development shouldbe promoted, taking into account the special needs of persons with disabilities ? [] Yes [ ] No

Explain further……………………………………

7. Do we have ICT infrastructure for the physically challenged persons? [ ] Yes[ ] No

8. Do we have ICT equipment and services to help the blind and persons with hearingimpairment? [ ] Yes [ ] No

9. Are they available? [ ] Yes [ ] No

10. Do they buy them? [ ] Yes [ ] No

11. Are they supposed to buy them? [ ] Yes [ ] No

12. If yes, are they affordable enough? [ ] Yes [ ] No

13. What policies or strategies have the government put in place to address this issue?

Ghana Education Service (GES)

1. Does GES provide physically challenged persons better access to ICT? [ ] Yes [] No

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2. Is the Computer System and Centre for the Ghana Society for the Blind in Accra,which was set up to bring IT to the doorstep of the blind, operational? [ ] Yes [] No

3. If, yes does the country have the capacity to offer Braille computer programme? [] Yes [ ] No

4. Does GES have the expertise to IT needs of the physically challenged?[ ] Yes [ ] No

5. If no, what has the GES done in improve the situation?

6. Have you involved blind teachers in educational reforms? [ ] Yes [ ] No7. Does the ICT policy cover adoption and diffusion of ICT in education of those

with special needs? [ ] Yes [ ] No8. Has the blind teacher been offered the opportunity to acquire or upgrade his or her

self in computer studies, now that ICT training is compulsory under the newsystem?[ ] Yes [ ] No

9. Have the blind been included in the educational reform? [ ] Yes [ ] No

F. THE MEDIA CONTEXT

1. Name of Media House…………………………………………………………….

2. Position of Respondent ……………………………………………………………

3. Do you have particular programmes in which your media house features disability?

[ ]Yes [ ] No [ ] Not really

4. (a) If Yes, name them

(b) If No, what are some of the reasons for that?

5. In your opinion, do you think disability issues are adequately covered by the Media (as

compared to other issues such as development, Women or Children)?

i. Absolutely Yesii. Absolutely No

iii. Media Houses could do better

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iv. I don’t know6. In your opinion, when are persons with disability likely to receive coverage by media

houses {rate the answers below with either 1 or 2: 1. Most likely to get coverage 2.

Least likely to get coverage}

[ ] To bring out information that portrays them as people who need support and

assistance.

[ ] When they do something extra-ordinary (either good or bad)

[ ] To routinely educate the public and pass on information.

7. Name 3 main challenges associated with the coverage of disability issues in the media

8. What should persons with disability do to ensure more coverage by the media?

Appendix 4: Definition of Key Terms in Media Analysis

1. Article: here means a nonfiction prose forming an independent part of a

publication.

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2. Coverage also refers to the extent to which disability is covered. The extent or

degree to which issues concerning persons with disabilities are observed, analyzed,

and reported.

3. exploitative news refers to news that employs the greatest possible advantage when

covering issues on PWDs

4. Feature Articles refers to the special or prominent article in a newspaper

specifically, the Daily Graphic.

5. Frequency refers to how often stories on disability are reported.

6. Hard News also refers to events that are timely and are covered or reported almost

automatically by most newspapers.

7. Sensational stories are stories reported in a manner that produces a startling effect,

strong reaction or intense interest especially by exaggerating.

8. Legal issues are the matters concerning PWDs that have to do with the law.

9. Prominence means the importance attached to an issue or a story on disability.

Stories are backed with photographs to portray a vivid situation of what the paper

is carrying across. The pages that the disability issues are placed also come into play

when we talk about prominence. For example, Front-page stories are seen to have

an importance attached to it.

10. Reportage refers to the total body of media coverage of a particular topic or event,

like disability; including news reporting and analysis: "the extensive reportage on

disability by the Daily Graphic.”

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Appendix 5 : List of Persons Interviewed

[Persons with Disabilities (PWDs)]

Name Organization Name Organization

Maxwell Dzadey GNAD Seth Dese GSPD

Mama Tay GNAD Rose Sedafor GSPD

Godwin Kwame Fiattor GNAD Godwin Ladzegla GSPD

Eric Adzobi GNAD Kinsley Dikro Girentsi GSPD

Moses GNAD Ernest Sebefia GSPD

Gladys Krobo GNAD Adzo Alhasan GSPD

Hehesi GNAD Rejoice Nikabo GSPD

John Nyakanu GNAD Dzigbordi GSPD

Johnson. GNAD Daniel Kwansah GSPD

Juliet Obawwaa GNAD Tefe Doris GSPD

Akom Kyei Godfrod GNAD Patricia Deku GSPD

Kwame Poku GNAD Eunice Akombi GSPD

Obeng Richard GNAD Veronica Kofiedu GSPD

Comfort Osei GNAD Carl Tettey GSPD

Kofi Asante GNAD Mavis Kegetor GSPD

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Jojo Baah Poku GNAD Mawutor GSPD

Jumblatt Oduro GNAD Mispa Helu GSPD

Juliet Obawwaa GNAD Twumasi Oppong GSPD

Kwame Willaims GNAD Amaagyei-Yeboah GSPD

Kawajo Ampabeng GNAD Phidalia Adu GSPD

Harrison K. Apieth GSPD Simon keutse GSPD

Tetteh Zoda GSPD Esther Okyere GAB

Kofi Solomon GSPD Diana Adobea GAB

Korda comfort GSPD Stephen Boakye GAB

Grace Tetteh-Ku GSPD F.M. Miezah GAB

Teye Floria GSPD Kojo Donkor GAB

Korle Amiyoo mary GSPD Stepheven Narh Agjei GAB

Salome Teyegaga GSPD Solomon Tetteh GAB

Gladys Owetey GSPD Atter Edin GAB

Gifty Awoteye GSPD Wunice Korlekwor GAB

Regina Narteh GSPD Dole Aisah GAB

K. Dua Agyekum GSPD Theresa Teye kordi GAB

Twumasi K. Ankomah GSPD Mercy Mamkey GAB

Beatrice Bannaman GAB

Thomas Mawuli Malm GAB

Bedford Kong GAB

Jonhy Boafo GAB

Avoryi emma GAB

Alade Fiamanya GAB

Margaret Akpalu GAB

Ivy Sedbedzi GAB

Mary Azra GAB

Simon Nyadro GAB

Samuel Dokli GAB

Francis Foli GAB

Mawutor GAB

Mavis Kegetor GAB

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Peace sakyi GAB

Ben Anoku GAB

Ben Adomako GAB

Ray ofori-Ankomah GAB

Yeboah koranteng GAB

Kwasi Christian GAB

Other stakeholders

Name Organization

Mr. Moses Appiyah Abaree Former DCE Bawku West District Assembly

Nana Ansah Sasraku II Omanhene of Manfe Akuapem, E/R

Nana Kwabena Agyei, Gyaas hene of Achiase, Ashanti Region

Dr. Jehu- Appiah Deputy Director Policy Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation

GHS

Mr De-Graft Afful , Principal Engineer , Department of Urban Roads

Allen Agbenatoe, Ministry of Education Science and Sports.

Mr. Robert Harison Akyea Deputy Director, Special Education Division, GES

ACP George Ankobil Regional Police Commander, E/R. Ghana Police Service

Mr. Martin Afram Deputy Director Metro Mass Transit Ltd

Mr. Owusu Koduah District Scheme Manager, NHIS

Samuel Nii Tachie

Welbeck ,

Branch Manager, Standard Chartered Bank

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Mr. Alexander Adu -Berko, District Coordinating Director, GA East District Assembly

Moses Koomson ,Cooperate Affairs Manager, Ghana Commercial Bank

Ernest Kwarteng Policy Planning Monitoring and evaluation, Ministry of Interior.

Alhaji Adam Saddiq, Acting director of Finance and Administration, Ministry ofManpower Youth and Sports.

Joseph Atigah, Centre Manager, Accra Rehabilitation Centre

Alexander Williams Ghana Society for the Blind

Ruth Prah Boateng Producer- Current Affairs, TV Africa

Kwabena Darko News Department, TV Africa

Emily Nyarko Coordinator, Current Affairs, TV Africa

Komla Dzunu Researcher/Co-Producer, Current Affairs TV 3

Nii Lamkai Lawson Co-Producer, Current Affairs/Business TV 3

Kodjoe Hayford News Dept/Presenter TV 3

Procucer- Breakfast Show Procucer- Breakfast Show, GTV

Yaro Procucer, Current Affairs/Presenter-Breakfast Show

Matildah Asante Events/Diary desk- Current Affairs

Lorna Co-Producer, Current Affairs

Nana Ofori Owusu Community & Public Outreach Officer , MiDA

Emma Lilian Bruce - Lyle Chief Director , Ministry of Chieftaincy and Culture

Mr. Ofori Addo LEADP Programme Coordinator, Dept of Social Welfare, Accra.