Ghana on Tuesday commemorated National Disability Day 2026, marking the 20th anniversary of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), with renewed calls for stronger enforcement of disability rights and greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in national development.
This year’s observance was held under the theme, “From Act to Action: Finalizing Reforms and Enforcing Disability Rights Now and Beyond,” emphasizing the need to move beyond policy commitments and ensure practical implementation of legal protections for persons with disabilities.
The occasion served as an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on two decades of progress under Act 715 while highlighting the challenges that continue to hinder full participation and equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across the country.
In a statement to mark the day, Regional President of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, Madam Elikplim Klu, stressed the importance of translating legislative gains into tangible improvements in the lives of persons with disabilities.
“As we celebrate two decades of the Disability Act, we must move beyond promises and ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully protected, implemented, and enforced,” Madam Klu stated.
She noted that the journey toward an inclusive society requires the collective efforts of government institutions, civil society organizations, the private sector, development partners, and individual citizens working together to eliminate barriers faced by persons with disabilities.
According to her, key areas requiring urgent attention include accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, employment opportunities, social protection programmes, and the meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making processes at all levels.
Madam Klu emphasized that these priorities must become realities rather than aspirations if Ghana is to achieve true inclusion and equality for all citizens regardless of disability status.
She further called on policymakers and duty bearers to accelerate reforms and strengthen enforcement mechanisms to ensure that the provisions of Act 715 are fully realized in communities across the country.
“Let us renew our commitment to building a Ghana where no one is left behind and where disability rights are recognised as human rights,” she said, urging all Ghanaians to support efforts aimed at creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
Below is the Full Statement:
National Disability Day 2026
Today, Ghana commemorates National Disability Day 2026, marking the 20th Anniversary of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
Theme: From Act to Action: Finalizing Reforms and Enforcing Disability Rights Now and Beyond.
As we celebrate two decades of the Disability Act, we must move beyond promises and ensure that the rights of persons with disabilities are fully protected, implemented, and enforced.
The journey towards inclusion requires collective action from government, civil society, the private sector, development partners, and every citizen. Accessible infrastructure, inclusive education, employment opportunities, social protection, and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in decision-making must become realities, not aspirations.
Let us renew our commitment to building a Ghana where no one is left behind and where disability rights are recognised as human rights.
Happy National Disability Day 2026!
National Disability Day 2026!
20YearsOfAct715!
FromActToAction!
DisabilityRightsNow!
InclusiveGhana!
ELIKPLIM KLU
Regional President
Ghana federation of disability organizations
