When the two major political parties in Ghana, the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the ruling party at the time, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), the main opposition launched their manifestos ahead of the 2024 General Elections, a range of policies attracted public attention.

As a young man committed to advocating for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society, my main focus was on two key issues: job creation for the youth and the welfare of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). I was excited to note that both parties promised to ensure that PWDs have free Tertiary education

On December 9, 2025, just a few days after the elections, the NDC emerged victorious in the presidential race and secured the majority in Parliament, as announced by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

During his maiden State of the Nation Address (SONA) for his second term on February 27, 2025, His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to improving the lives of PWDs.

He stated: “The government intends to ensure the implementation of the legislation that requires public and private employers to reserve 5% of their employment for persons with disabilities.

”President Mahama further disclosed that his government is “committed to enhancing the legal framework surrounding disability rights by passing the Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Bill.

Additionally, we will introduce a Legislative Instrument to further strengthen the provisions of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2006 (Act 715).” This is a major step toward improving the laws that protect the rights of people with disabilities—an issue that has long been raised by the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD).

For instance, in 2022, the NCPD described the Act as inadequate in providing social protection for PWDs because their rights were not fully recognized. The Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) also noted that the current Act is fraught with deficiencies and does not align with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), which Ghana ratified in 2012.

The President also introduced a "no-fee stress" policy aimed at eliminating tertiary admission fees, which currently serve as a barrier to higher education for some students. According to the President, this policy will extend to all PWDs who gain admission to tertiary institutions. PWDs will not be required to pay any fees throughout their tertiary education.

This decision is expected to bring much-needed relief to many students with disabilities who often struggle financially.To make this policy a reality, the Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, disclosed in his 2025 budget reading on behalf of the President that “The government has allocated GH¢499.8 million to implement the No-Fee-Stress policy.”

This allocation makes it clear that the government is serious about supporting PWDs in accessing higher education.This step by the government is a commendable move to ensure the inclusion and equal participation of PWDs in both education and the workforce.

It aligns with the overarching principles of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), among others

While this is a positive step forward, the government must also focus on addressing additional pressing barriers faced by PWDs in education and employment.

For example, providing educational materials such as braille resources, constructing new accessible facilities, renovating existing infrastructure to ensure PWD-friendly access, and supplying assistive technology for use in tertiary education are crucial to creating a more inclusive environment.

Additionally, PWDs who have acquired skills outside of the university system must be given equal opportunities to work.PWDs are an essential part of the human resource base of every functioning society.

They possess very useful knowledge, skills, and other dispositions which can be harnessed for promoting development and social change in their communities and our country at large, it is important that every effort is made to support them.