The Challenged Foundation is calling for accessible education and public spaces for persons with disabilities in Ghana.
The Foundation has officially launched a nationwide petition urging the Government of Ghana to enforce existing accessibility laws and ensure that persons with disabilities can fully benefit from social services and education.
This initiative follows the Government’s historic announcement of free tertiary education for persons with disabilities, a bold and compassionate milestone in Ghana’s journey toward inclusion.
The Foundation acknowledges and celebrates this remarkable step, which represents hope, dignity, and a future full of possibilities
However, the Foundation emphasizes that many persons with disabilities are still unable to access facilities in universities.
Despite progress, physical barriers remain one of the greatest challenges facing learners and citizens with disabilities in Ghana.
Current Barriers Affecting Persons with Disabilities include:
Ø Schools and universities lacking ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets
Ø Public buses and transport systems remain largely inaccessible
Ø Courts and district assemblies cannot be independently accessed
Ø Reserved disability parking is inadequate and often misused
Ø Many public facilities lack signage, tactile paths, and support systems
Ø Students and citizens still report being carried upstairs, losing dignity and independence
These challenges directly violate Section 6 of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), which states:
“The owner or occupier of a public place shall provide appropriate facilities that make the place accessible to persons with disability.”
It is heartbreaking when a student with a disability gains admission but cannot access classrooms or facilities.
It is painful when a citizen cannot enter a courtroom without assistance, or when a brilliant young person in a wheelchair has no access to a library or toilet facility.
The Foundation stresses that it is not asking for privileges, but for the right to equal access guaranteed under Ghana’s Constitution and national laws.
Article 29(6) of the 1992 Constitution clearly states:
“As far as practicable, every place to which the public has access shall have appropriate facilities for persons with disability.”
Petition Objectives includes calls for the full implementation and enforcement of Ghana’s disability and building accessibility laws to achieve the following:
v Accessible school and university buildings
Backed by Section 17 of Act 715, which mandates the Minister of Education to ensure that all educational institutions are accessible and available to persons with disability.
v Disability-friendly public offices and courts
Supported by Section 7 of Act 715, which requires all public service providers to make their facilities and services accessible to persons with disability.
v Inclusive public transport and mobility systems.
Reinforced by Article 29(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which protects persons with disability from all forms of discrimination and degrading treatment.
v Proper disability parking enforcement
In line with Regulation 22 of the Building Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2465), which directs that “Parking spaces for persons with disability shall be provided and clearly marked.”
v Accessible toilets and campus facilities
Required under Regulation 11 of L.I. 2465, which states that “Every public building shall have at least one toilet facility that is accessible to persons with disability.”
v Nationwide accessibility audits and retrofitting of public facilities
In accordance with Regulation 9 of L.I. 2465, which demands that “A building shall be designed, constructed and maintained to ensure that persons with disability have access to and are able to use all facilities in the building.”
v Accessibility desks at all MMDAs
To promote compliance with Act 715 and strengthen local-level monitoring and support systems.
v Public education on disability inclusion
To ensure full understanding and implementation of Ghana’s accessibility laws.
v Full enforcement of Act 715 and L.I. 2465
To guarantee equality, independence, and dignity for all persons with disabilities in Ghana.
Legal Foundation
This petition stands firmly on the following legal provisions:
v Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715)
Sections 6, 7, and 17 Accessibility to public places, access to public services, and inclusive education.
v Building Regulations, 2020 (L.I. 2465)
Regulations 9, 11, and 22 Accessibility, sanitary facilities, and parking for persons with disability.
v Constitution of the Republic of Ghana, 1992 Articles 29(1) and 29(6) Protection and equal access for persons with disability.
The Foundation is calling on all ministries, public institutions, and the general public to support this national effort to make Ghana truly inclusive. Persons with disabilities deserve not sympathy, but access.
Call to Action
The public is encouraged to join the movement by signing the petition here:
https://www.change.org/OpenTheDoorsForPWDs
Mrs. Veronica L. Amartey-Owusu
Founder The Challenged Foundation
