Rural Initiatives for Self Empowerment (Rise-Ghana), a Ghanaian NGO, has taken the lead in promoting inclusivity for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the upcoming 2024 General Elections in the Upper East Region.
As part of the initiative, a team from Rise-Ghana, together with some PWDs met with the Regional Director of the Electoral Commission (EC), William Obeng Adarkwa, to present a report highlighting polling stations in three constituencies that are not accessible to PWDs.
Rise-Ghana, in partnership with Star-Ghana Foundation and with funding from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office-UK, conducted an accessibility audit of randomly selected polling stations in three constituencies. This audit aimed to assess the user-friendliness of these polling stations for persons with disabilities (PWDs).
The report identified 11 out of the 29 polling stations randomly selected not disability-friendly, with 4 in the Bolgatanga Constituency, 5 in the Bongo Constituency, and 2 in the Nabdam Constituency.
It revealed that Anaafobiisi primary school, Kuyelgo primary school, Atampiisi primary school, Gurigo Primary school, Boko primary school, Damologo, Logre primary school, Yorogo Asorikobisi primary school, Tindonsobiligo old clinic, Watania primary school and Sacred Heart (Asungtaaba) polling stations were disability-unfriendly.
The need for disability inclusivity in elections cannot be overstated. PWDs face numerous challenges in accessing polling stations, including physical barriers, lack of accessible voting materials, and stigma.
By promoting inclusive elections, Rise-Ghana aims to ensure that PWDs can participate fully in the democratic process and have their voices heard.
Rise-Ghana’s efforts are aligned with Ghana’s commitments under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Article 29 of the CRPD guarantees the right of PWDs to participate in political and public life, including voting. By promoting disability inclusivity in elections, Ghana can move closer to realizing this right and ensuring that all citizens can participate fully in the democratic process.
Awal Ahmed Kariamah, the Executive Director of Rise-Ghana, emphasized the need for inclusivity in the upcoming elections, particularly for marginalized groups.
“This initiative is a significant step towards promoting inclusive democracy in Ghana, ensuring that all citizens, including PWDs, can exercise their right to vote without barriers” he emphasized.
The Regional Director of the EC, William Obeng Adarkwa, received the concerns raised by Rise-Ghana and the PWDs and promised to address them before the December 7 General Elections.
He expressed gratitude to Rise-Ghana for its proactive initiative in promoting inclusive participation in Ghana’s democracy, specifically highlighting the organization’s efforts to ensure accessibility for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the upcoming 2024 General Elections.
