Copyright ghanaguardian
President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity, announcing the enforcement of a minimum 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities (PWDs) across both the public and private sectors. Speaking at the launch of the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities Policy, the President said the initiative forms part of government’s broader strategy to ensure the full integration of PWDs into Ghana’s workforce. “We will enforce a minimum 5% employment quota for persons with disabilities across the public and private sectors. Private sector organizations that meet this target will receive tax incentives as a reward for supporting national inclusion,” he stated. President Mahama emphasized that ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will be held accountable for meeting the quota through annual performance reports. “Every public institution, through its minister, must report annually on progress made toward meeting the 5% quota,” he added. Strengthening disability legislation “We will modernize the 2006 Persons with Disability Act to align it with current realities and improve enforcement,” he said. Under the proposed reforms, penalties for non-compliance with accessibility requirements for public buildings will be significantly increased. “Currently, the penalty for non-compliance is only three months in prison or a GH¢600 fine — which is far too small. In the new amendment, we’ll increase the fine and extend the imprisonment term from three to six months,” the President announced. Accountability and compliance “I have instructed all Ministers of State to review their obligations under the Disability Act and submit actionable plans for compliance within the shortest possible time. Each year, they will be required to report on progress,” he said. The President reaffirmed that the new measures demonstrate his government’s resolve to create a fair, inclusive, and accessible society where persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities to learn, work, and contribute to national development.
