The Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) and its partners have met with the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana on Wednesday to discuss measures for disability inclusion in the December 7, 2024, general elections.
The meeting, held behind closed doors at the EC’s head office, focused on ensuring accessible and inclusive voting for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Although the media was not permitted inside, GFD representatives addressed journalists waiting outside after the meeting.
Mission of the GFD
The GFD seeks to advocate for the rights of PWDs by influencing policies, programs, and activities at both national and local levels. Their mission extends beyond elections, aiming to strengthen organizations of PWDs before, during, and after the polls.
Accessibility and Recommendations
In an interview, the Executive Director of GFD, Madam Rita Kusi Kyeremaa, highlighted the Federation’s ongoing efforts to engage with the EC. She commended the commission for addressing challenges that have historically hindered PWDs’ participation in elections.
“We’ve consistently raised concerns about the difficulties persons with disabilities face during elections and made recommendations to the EC. It’s encouraging to see steps being taken to ensure PWDs can vote independently and with confidence,” she said.
Madam Kyeremaa praised the EC for committing to make polling stations accessible by removing barriers such as large stones and gutters, which impede the movement of PWDs.
Awareness Campaigns
The GFD also emphasized the importance of targeted awareness campaigns to inform PWDs about the upcoming elections. “We made specific recommendations to the EC to ensure feeder actions are taken for targeted awareness. This will help persons with disabilities better understand and engage in the voting process,” Madam Kyeremaa noted.
Preferential Treatment and Inclusive Communication
The EC has also assured the GFD that PWDs will receive preferential treatment at polling centers.
“If a person with a disability arrives at a polling station, election officers will prioritize their voting process,” she explained.
Efforts have been made to ensure inclusive communication for individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired. Common sign language and other accessibility measures will be used during the elections to enhance understanding and participation.
Commitment to Inclusive Elections
The GFD’s collaboration with the EC underscores a shared commitment to ensuring that the voting process is inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all citizens, regardless of physical or communication barriers.
By Madjid Diallo || Ghananewsonline.com.gh