On Wednesday, October 16, 2024, the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) organised a one-day stakeholder's workshop to share the findings and recommendations of a recent review of national and sector development plans, as well as the Annual Progress Reports (APRs) and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) reports, as part of the processes to improve the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). In order to promote the successful implementation of the SDGs and strengthen COVID-19 recovery efforts, this program seeks to identify gaps in the mainstreaming of disability across important government services and administrative divisions.
The review aligns with Ghana's commitment to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which the country ratified in 2012. The CRPD serves as a vital framework, shifting the understanding of disability from a charity-based model to a rights-based approach. By emphasizing the empowerment and meaningful participation of PWDs, the CRPD calls for a collaborative effort among governments, civil society, and individuals to ensure that no one is left behind.
Since the adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015, which includes 17 SDGs, the importance of disability inclusion has gained recognition. Unlike the Millennium Development Goals, the SDGs actively promote the rights of persons with disabilities, advocating for policies that combat discrimination and support inclusive development. This progress reflects the critical involvement of organizations representing PWDs during the negotiations of the 2030 Agenda.
The review is conducted in consultation with key stakeholders, including the UNDP’s Head for Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance, the Gender and Human Rights Analyst, and the Project Associate for Disability Inclusion. The objectives are clear: to analyze existing development plans, identify gaps in disability mainstreaming, and propose actionable recommendations to enhance the inclusion of PWDs in Ghana’s development trajectory.
Key tasks of the review include: Analyzing national and sector development plans with a focus on disability inclusion, identifying challenges in current plans and reports regarding disability mainstreaming, and developing strategies for integrating disability considerations into future national and MMDA development plans.
This initiative underscores Ghana's dedication to fostering an inclusive society where the rights of all citizens, particularly those with disabilities, are upheld and promoted. As the review progresses, it is anticipated that concrete recommendations will emerge, paving the way for a more inclusive approach to national development and recovery efforts in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As Ghana embarks on this important journey, the message is clear: the path towards sustainable development is one that must include the voices and rights of persons with disabilities. Together, we can work towards a future that truly leaves no one behind.