LocationsGhana Validates National Disability Inclusion Coordination Framework
September 15, 2025
Group picture of participants at the framework validation meeting.
With funding from the Global Disability Fund (GDF), Ghana has taken a significant step towards strengthening disability inclusion by convening a meeting to validate a draft National Disability Inclusion Coordination Framework.
The Framework, developed under the GDF joint UN disability project: Implementing Essential Pre-conditions to Advance the Rights of Persons with Disability in Ghana, represents a major milestone in advancing the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in Ghana. It seeks to establish a comprehensive, multi-tiered mechanism that promotes coordination across national, regional, and district levels, ensuring that policies, services, and interventions are inclusive and coherent.
The validation meeting brought together government institutions, Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), civil society, UN agencies and development partners in a consultative dialogue to review and refine the draft framework. The session offered participants an opportunity to provide both strategic and technical feedback on the proposed structures, implementation strategies, and accountability mechanisms outlined in the document. It also served as a space to examine how the framework aligns with existing national policies, sector plans, and ongoing legal reforms, thereby ensuring policy coherence. Ultimately, the meeting sought to secure broad stakeholder endorsement so that the framework can be finalised and adopted as a legitimate national mechanism for advancing disability inclusion.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Edward Ampratwum, Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance at UNDP, emphasized the importance of the framework as a tool for harmonizing efforts.
“This framework is a structured multi-tiered mechanism that works at the national, regional, and district levels to harmonize efforts, reduce duplication, and foster stronger collaboration among stakeholders. UNDP remains strongly committed to working with other UN agencies and partners to ensure the framework is not only validated but fully implemented to drive real impact.”
Dr. Edward Ampratwum Head of Inclusive Growth and Accountable Governance, UNDP Ghana delivering his remarks.
Similarly, Mr. Edwin Kweku Andoh, Acting Executive Secretary of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, highlighted the transformative potential of the framework:
“This framework is not only about addressing barriers faced by persons with disabilities, but also about harnessing their skills, talents, and potential as active contributors to national development. It reflects our collective resolve to move from policy to action, from commitment to measurable outcomes.”
Acting Executive Secretary of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
The GDF UN joint disability project in Ghana is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) and the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD), with technical support from United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The validation of the national disability inclusion coordination framework marks a crucial step toward ensuring disability inclusion becomes a cross-cutting priority in Ghana’s development agenda. By aligning policies, fostering partnerships, and strengthening accountability, the Framework will serve as a roadmap for transforming commitments under the CRPD into concrete actions that promote equal opportunities and inclusive governance.
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