Accra: The Government will increase the District Assemblies’ Common Fund (DACF) allocation for Persons with Disabilities from three per cent to five per cent starting next year, President John Dramani Mahama has announced. The President made this announcement during the formal launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disability Initiative at the Accra College of Education.
According to Ghana News Agency, President Mahama mentioned that the Disability Desks in every District Assembly, in consultation with the local branch of the Ghana Federation of the Disabled, would prepare a budget each year for how they intend to spend the newly allocated five per cent. Additionally, dedicated programmes for women with disabilities will be launched to provide them with entrepreneurship grants and leadership training.
Addressing accessibility and infrastructure, President Mahama stated that the Government would enforce the Ghana Accessibility Standards for all public buildings and facilities. He noted that 2026 would mark 10 years since the enforcement of accessibility to public buildings was supposed to be implemented. Consequently, in the Amendment Act to Act 715, the term of imprisonment for non-compliance will be increased, along with the fines. President Mahama emphasized that the current penalty of three months in prison or a fine of GHS600.00 was insufficient, and revisions in the new Act would see these penalties increased to six months imprisonment and potentially higher fines.
President Mahama also revealed that the Government plans to introduce a system for distributing rechargeable motorized wheelchairs to Persons with Disabilities. Furthermore, he directed all Ministers of State to review their obligations under the Disability Act and present action plans for full compliance in the shortest time possible. He stressed the importance of annual reports from Ministers on their compliance with the Disability Act.
In a call to action, President Mahama urged the private sector, civil society, development partners, universities, and the media to collaborate in this mission. “Let us transform our national attitudes from commiseration to partnership,” he stated.