Members of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) have expressed satisfaction with the Electoral Commission’s efforts at (EC) implementing significant measures to ensure accessibility for persons with disability (PWDs) in the upcoming December general elections.
This commendation followed a closed-door meeting between GFD and the EC.
During a press engagement after the meeting, GFD expressed satisfaction with the EC’s efforts to guarantee that all persons with disability can fully exercise their civic rights as citizens.
Executive Director of GFD, Rita Kusi-Kyeremah, emphasized that equal access to voting and the inclusion of PWDs have been central to the federation’s advocacy over the years. She referenced observations from the 2020 general elections, stating, “From our previous election observations, we noted that about 85% of the voting centers were accessible. Our expectation is that the Electoral Commission moves beyond this percentage to a higher one—if not 100%, then close to it.”
Highlighting some of the EC’s new provisions, Madam Kusi-Kyeremah mentioned the repositioning of voting booths to accommodate persons with physical disability, the rollout of awareness programs across constituencies, and preferential treatment for PWDs at polling stations. She also noted the EC’s commitment to improving communication for persons with hearing impairment. “It was good to hear today that efforts are being made by the EC to ensure that common directives used at polling stations are translated by sign language for persons who are deaf or hard at hearing. Additionally, election officials have been given manuals with extensive training on inclusivity and how to better assist persons with disability,” she added.
Through these initiatives, the Electoral Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to a free, fair, and inclusive electoral process for all Ghanaians.
By: Kobina Baidoo
