The Network of Women with Disabilities, Africa (NEWDA) is urging Ghana to ratify the African Disability Protocol (ADP). This action is considered vital for protecting the rights and dignity of women with disabilities. NEWDA has begun an intensive advocacy effort in Accra. This campaign involves collaboration with the Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organisation (WODAO).
The project aims to improve how different groups work together. It also seeks to boost Ghana's efforts to approve the protocol. Madam Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, a Co-Convener for NEWDA, explained this goal. She stated that the initiative would unite key players. This collaboration will strengthen national advocacy and advance Ghana's commitment to ratifying the ADP. The project plans to foster cooperation between government agencies, non-profit groups, disability organizations, and media outlets. This will ensure women with disabilities are actively included in national policy discussions. Madam Kofiedu stressed the need for ongoing teamwork. This is necessary to guarantee inclusion and fair chances for women with disabilities. She added that together, they are building a stronger movement for development that includes everyone.
Professor Augustina Naami, a senior lecturer at the University of Ghana and another Co-Convener of NEWDA, detailed the network's origins. NEWDA was formed because three women with different disabilities saw no single platform. This platform was needed for women with disabilities in Ghana and across Africa. Professor Naami explained that NEWDA will establish this platform. It will empower women with disabilities to collectively defend their human rights. It will also help them make their voices heard and promote fairness, equality, and social justice. She highlighted that women with disabilities often face many and overlapping forms of unfair treatment. These challenges prevent them from fully participating in education, jobs, leadership roles, and government. Research shows that women with disabilities are less likely to get an education. They are also more likely to be unemployed. Many end up working in informal jobs, according to Prof. Naami. Furthermore, women with disabilities are at higher risk of violence and abuse. Studies indicate they are about three times more prone to experiencing violence than women without disabilities.
Professor Naami also noted that Ghana has already agreed to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2012. The country also passed the Persons with Disabilities Act in 2006. However, these existing laws do not fully address the specific difficulties faced by women and girls with disabilities. The African Disability Protocol specifically acknowledges the vulnerabilities of women with disabilities. Yet, the Ghanaian government has not yet ratified it. A representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Legal Department confirmed the protocol's progress. The ratification process has reached the cabinet level. It is expected to move to Parliament for review soon. The official explained that for Ghana to officially adopt a treaty or protocol, it must become part of the country's laws. The process starts with cabinet approval. Then, it moves to Parliament for the final ratification. The representative expressed confidence that the process will advance shortly. Once the cabinet gives its approval, the necessary documents will be sent to Parliament. A one-year national project by NEWDA is also planned. This project, running from November 2025 to October 2026, aims to strengthen the movement for women with disabilities and raise public awareness about the ADP. Activities will include consultations, leadership training, media outreach, and online campaigns. The project will involve Parliament, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, CHRAJ, disability organizations, and the media to build support for the protocol's ratification.