The Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD) has noted with concern the reported incidence of violence at some voter registration centres in the ongoing registration exercise and wishes to call on the security agencies and the Electoral Commission (EC) to prioritise the safety of vulnerable groups, including persons with disabilities, at all times during the registration process.

The Federation notes that, even though the exercise has been generally peaceful across the country, in a few places such as Kukuom, Cape Coast, and Adugyama, where violet cases have been reported, such news has the potential of intimidating most persons with disabilities and further discourage them from participating in the exercise.

The news, as reported by some media outlets, falls short of informing the public about the safety measures to provide assurance to persons with disabilities to participate in the process.

The GFD therefore urges the Electoral Commission (EC) and the Ghana Police Service to take immediate actions to prioritize the safety of persons with disabilities at various registration centres. Persons with disabilities are deemed to be greatly affected in situation of emergencies and violence.

The current atmosphere of violence at registration centres is a crucial factor that can lead to the disenfranchisement of persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups, thereby jeopardizing their right to participate in the upcoming 2024 general elections.

Ghana, as a state party to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), particularly under Article 29, has an obligation to guarantee the safety and equal rights of persons with disabilities to access political opportunities devoid of obstacles. It needs to be emphasized that inclusion is not just a fundamental human right, but also essential for the sustainable development of Ghana under the principle of “Leaving No One Behind.”

The GFD strongly condemns the reported violence and expresses deep concern about its escalation. Persons with disabilities have consistently identified political violence as a major barrier to their political participation. Without immediate intervention, persons with disabilities will be excluded from the electoral process, violating their human right to active participation.

The GFD calls on all duty-bearers, including political party leaders, to take concrete steps to ensure a safe and secure environment for persons with disabilities at voter registration centres. Political manifestos with promises of inclusion are meaningless without concrete action to safeguard the lives of persons with disabilities.

The GFD remains committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities in all aspects of society and therefore urges all stakeholders to work collaboratively to create an environment where the rights of every citizen, including persons with disabilities, are respected, and protected.

SIGNED
Joseph Atsu Hormadzi
National President of GFD

For further information, please contact:
Mohammed Lansah
Mobile/Email: +233-24-367-1718 / Mohammed.Lansah@gfdgh.org
Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD)