Advancing Inclusion Through Education: Reflections on Ghana’s Inaugural Honour Ceremony for Persons with Disabilities

The West Africa Genetic Medicine Centre buzzed with anticipation on June 23, 2025, as the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) hosted a landmark event: the National Day of Persons with Disability Inaugural Honour Ceremony. Under the moving theme "Advancing Inclusion Through Education," the ceremony sought to celebrate strides made and highlight the persistent journey towards a truly inclusive Ghana. As an attendee, I'm here to offer a balanced perspective on an event that was both inspiring and, at times, a stark reminder of the work still ahead.

The National Day of Persons with Disability

The choice of theme “Advancing Inclusion Through Education” was both timely and touching. Education is not just a right, but a powerful equalizer. The ceremony emphasized how quality, accessible education enables persons with disabilities to contribute fully to society. From early childhood education to higher learning, the emphasis was on removing barriers and investing in inclusive systems.

The Good: Celebrating Progress and Inspiring Hope

The ceremony was a powerful affirmation of the tireless efforts by individuals and institutions dedicated to disability rights and inclusive development in Ghana.

• A Well-Deserved Recognition: The core of the event, the GFD Honours, was a resounding success. Witnessing the recognition of individuals, media partners and businesses who have significantly contributed to the disability community was truly heartwarming. These awards not only celebrated past achievements but also served as a potent inspiration for continued advocacy and action. It underscored the fact that progress, however incremental, is being made.

• Emphasis on Education: The theme "Advancing Inclusion Through Education" was consistently reinforced throughout the program. Speakers, including the National President of GFD, Joseph Atsu Homadzi, and the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, highlighted the critical role of accessible and equitable education in empowering persons with disabilities. This focus is vital, given that a significant percentage of Ghanaians with disabilities still lack access to formal schooling, as per Ghana Statistical Service data. The discussions brought much-needed attention to policy implementation and the government's commitment to initiatives like free tertiary education for PWDs and specialized STEM curricula.

  
  

• High-Level Representation and Advocacy: The presence of key stakeholders, including the Spanish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Ángel Lossada Torres-Quevedo, and the Minister for Education, signified the growing national and international commitment to disability inclusion. Their speeches not only lent gravitas to the event but also provided a platform for renewed calls to action, particularly regarding the re-enactment of the Disability Act (Act 715) to align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

• Showcasing Talent: The inclusion of cultural performances, poetry, and artistic contributions by persons with disabilities was a delightful and impactful addition. These segments beautifully showcased the diverse talents within the community, reinforcing the message that disability does not equate to inability and that inclusion enriches all aspects of national life.

• Strategic Venue: The choice of the West Africa Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) at the University of Ghana, Legon, a reputable academic institution, added a layer of professionalism and academic gravitas to the event.

Lingering Challenges and Areas for Improvement

While the ceremony was a commendable step forward, certain aspects highlighted the systemic challenges that still need urgent attention.

• Accessibility Hurdles: While the West Africa Genetic Medicine Centre (WAGMC) offers a modern setting, a significant observation was the prevalence of stairs within the auditorium used for the program. This presented a noticeable challenge, particularly for attendees with mobility disabilities, making navigation less conducive to a truly inclusive environment. While efforts might have been made in other areas, such architectural barriers can inadvertently limit participation and comfort for the very community the event sought to honour. Future events should prioritize venues with genuinely universal design principles to ensure every aspect of the experience is accessible.

• Need for Enhanced Representation within GFD Leadership: While the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) admirably champions the rights of persons with disabilities, the event subtly highlighted the ongoing need for even greater representation of persons with disabilities within its own executive and decision-making structures. True advocacy is most impactful when directly informed by lived experience. Having more persons with disabilities in key executive roles for instance, as the Executive Director ensures that the strategic direction, priorities, and implementation approaches are consistently grounded in a deep, personal understanding of the challenges and needs faced by the community. Their direct experiences provide invaluable insights that no amount of theoretical understanding can replicate, ultimately strengthening GFD's effectiveness and credibility in leading the charge for a truly inclusive Ghana.

• Underrepresentation of Youth Voices in Discussions: While the theme rightly centered on "Advancing Inclusion Through Education," there was a noticeable underrepresentation of youth voices, particularly students with disabilities, in the panel discussions and even some award categories. For an event focused on the future of inclusion through education, it was a missed opportunity not to hear more directly from those currently navigating the educational system with disabilities. Their lived experiences and perspectives are invaluable and could have provided crucial, first-hand insights into both the successes and the enduring challenges of inclusive education in Ghana. Ensuring a more prominent platform for young people with disabilities in future events would significantly enhance the authenticity and impact of the dialogue.

• Implementation Gap Echoes: Despite the powerful speeches on policy and commitment, the stark statistics on educational exclusion for persons with disabilities, as cited by GFD, serve as a reminder of the significant gap between policy and practical implementation. The appeals for better enforcement of the Disability Act underscore that legislative frameworks alone are not enough; sustained effort in ensuring their practical application remains a major challenge.

• Limited Public Engagement: While the event attracted key stakeholders, the wider public's engagement (beyond media coverage) might need to be amplified in future. For a "National Day," broader public awareness and participation are crucial to truly shift societal perceptions and foster widespread inclusion. While the event was broadcast, direct public involvement could be enhanced.

• Resource Allocation and Monitoring: The discussions inevitably touched upon financial difficulties and inadequate resources hindering access to education for many PWDs. While the government's free tertiary education initiative is commendable, ensuring consistent and adequate funding for all levels of inclusive education, and robust monitoring of how these funds are utilized, remains a critical area needing improvement.

Overall Verdict: A Beacon of Hope Amidst Ongoing Challenges

The National Day of Persons with Disability Inaugural Honour Ceremony was a profoundly significant event for Ghana. It served as a powerful platform to celebrate the champions of disability rights and to reaffirm the nation's commitment to inclusive education. The GFD deserves commendation for organizing such a pivotal gathering.

While the challenges of inaccessible environments, resource limitations, and implementation gaps remain real, the ceremony ignited a renewed sense of purpose and highlighted the resilience and immense potential within the disability community. It was a vital step in amplifying their voices and propelling the conversation forward. For Ghana to truly advance inclusion, the spirit of this inaugural ceremony must translate into sustained action, ensuring that no citizen, regardless of ability, is left behind in the pursuit of quality education and a dignified life.

Inclusion is not a favour, it is a right. And through continued advocacy, education, and collective effort, Ghana can become a model for disability inclusion in West Africa and beyond.