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The United States Ambassador to Ghana, Robert P. Jackson, has called on the Ghana’s Electoral Commission to make the necessary provisions for people living with disabilities to actively participate in the impending elections.

He expressed the United States’ commitment to partnering with the Ghana Federation of Disability Organization (GFD), to improve local government performance, accountability to citizens and transparent electoral process.

“We are proud to partner with such a strong Ghanaian organization. For several years now the federation has been the central champion for the social and economic rights of millions of Ghanaians with disabilities.” “But there is still more to be done to combat stigma and to mainstream the rights of people with disabilities.” 

Mr. Jackson made these assertions at the launch of “Expanding Participation for persons with disability” project organized by the Ghana Federation of disability organization at the Accra rehabilitation centre.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has therefore supported the Federation with nearly three hundred thousand dollars to undertake the project and build the capacity of disabled people.

The project is also meant to augment the capability of disabled people organizations in strategic planning, resource mobilization and leadership skills.

The GFD will implement the project in all ten regions of the country as a way of enabling persons living with disability to advocate for their human rights and their effective participation in society at all levels.

Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dela Sowah, said the partnership is going to give physically challenged people the opportunity to live full and meaningful lives.

She said government is still working towards addressing issues facing such individuals and groups. “The government of Ghana recognizes the Ghana Federation of the disabled as a useful partner in addressing the concerns of persons with disability and affirms it has the capacity to implement this project. What I will wish to advise is that they be guided by the USAID’s core values.”

US to aid Ghana’s election with $4.5m 

The United States government has already pledged a financial support of over 4.5 million dollars for Ghana’s forthcoming elections.  Ghana is expected to go to the polls in November to elect a President and Parliamentarians.

According to the US government, one third of that amount would be given to the Electoral Commission to help in its strategic communication work, while another one third would be used by the peace commission for peace keeping operations.