The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Ghana Federation for Disability Organizations (GFD) have launched the "Expanding Participation for Persons with Disabilities" initiative. The launch event took place on April 21 in Accra, Ghana, with U.S. Ambassador to Ghana Robert P. Jackson, Executive Secretary of the National Council on Persons with Disabilities Kwamena Dadsie Dennis, and GFD President Yaw Ofori Debra among those present.
This initiative aims to support and enhance the capacity of organizations representing disabled persons in Ghana. It will work alongside seven national organizations, ten regional disability networks and coalitions, as well as thirty grassroots district-based organizations. A key component of this activity is developing an assessment tool to evaluate how institutions adhere to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other pro-disability laws and policies in Ghana.
Ambassador Jackson expressed his pride in partnering with a strong Ghanaian organization at the event. He stated, "I know that if we all work together, from government to civil society to each and every individual, we can ensure a fair, equitable Ghana where every man and woman has the opportunity to reach his or her potential and contribute to his or her community."
This initiative is part of USAID/Ghana's Democracy, Rights, and Governance portfolio which supports improved local government performance, increased accountability to citizens, and transparent electoral processes. The GFD represents over three million people by bringing together key organizations of people with disabilities in Ghana.
USAID has been active in supporting various sectors in Ghana for more than 50 years including food security enhancement, basic health care improvement, access to quality education increase, and strengthening local governance.