The Ghanaian government has unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at improving access to education, employment, and social support for persons with disabilities (PWDs). According to Dr. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Policy Advisor to Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, these measures seek to address the challenges faced by over 2.4 million PWDs in Ghana, representing about 8% of the population. The proposals include free tertiary education, a minimum 5% employment quota in public and private institutions, and the establishment of disability desks in all 261 Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
Dr. Ofosu Ampofo outlined the measures during the Day of Help for Persons with Disabilities in Koforidua on Friday, October 30, 2026. He emphasized that disability inclusion should be treated as a human rights issue rather than an act of charity. Citing the 2021 Population and Housing Census, he noted that more than 70% of persons with disabilities remain excluded from formal employment and education, according to World Bank data. The government is pursuing policy reforms to address these challenges and promote inclusivity.
The education proposal includes free tertiary education, covering tuition and residential support, for persons with disabilities. This initiative will be backed by an amendment to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Act to provide statutory funding. This move builds on the Inclusive Education Policy introduced in 2015, when Professor Opoku-Agyemang was Minister of Education. The policy aims to ensure equal access to quality education for all students, regardless of their abilities.
On economic empowerment, Dr. Ofosu Ampofo announced that the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for persons with disabilities had increased from 3% to 5% in 2026. Additionally, disability desks will be established in all 261 MMDAs to improve access to support and services for PWDs. These measures aim to promote economic inclusion and provide opportunities for PWDs to participate in the workforce.
The government is also pursuing legal and employment reforms to promote disability inclusion. Cabinet has approved amendments to the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715), to align it with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. President John Dramani Mahama has also announced a minimum 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities in public and private institutions, with tax incentives for private employers that comply.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection is processing 272 graduates with disabilities for employment through the Ghana Education Service. Dr. Ofosu Ampofo noted that the greatest obstacles to disability inclusion are not physical conditions but society's barriers, such as buildings without ramps, schools without learning aids, and attitudes that mistake disability for inability. He conveyed the Vice President's greetings to Rev. Dr. Steve Mensah and the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry (CEM).
Meanwhile, the Charismatic Evangelistic Ministry's (CEM) Ability Village, led by Fred Nuer, currently supports more than 7,000 persons with disabilities in Koforidua and surrounding communities in the Eastern Region. The government's initiatives complement the efforts of organizations like CEM, which provide vital support and services to PWDs. By working together, the government and civil society aim to promote inclusivity and empower PWDs to participate fully in Ghanaian society.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has announced free tertiary education, a minimum 5% employment quota, and disability desks in all MMDAs to promote inclusion for over 2 million persons with disabilities.
