Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations engages EC on Inclusive Voting – Ghana Information On-line
The Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) and its companions have met with the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana on Wednesday to debate measures for incapacity inclusion within the December 7, 2024, basic elections.
The assembly, held behind closed doorways on the EC’s head workplace, centered on guaranteeing accessible and inclusive voting for individuals with disabilities (PWDs). Although the media was not permitted inside, GFD representatives addressed journalists ready outdoors after the assembly.
Mission of the GFD
The GFD seeks to advocate for the rights of PWDs by influencing insurance policies, applications, and actions at each nationwide and native ranges. Their mission extends past elections, aiming to strengthen organizations of PWDs earlier than, throughout, and after the polls.
Accessibility and Recommendations
In an interview, the Executive Director of GFD, Madam Rita Kusi Kyeremaa, highlighted the Federation’s ongoing efforts to interact with the EC. She counseled the fee for addressing challenges which have traditionally hindered PWDs’ participation in elections.
“We’ve consistently raised concerns about the difficulties persons with disabilities face during elections and made recommendations to the EC. It’s encouraging to see steps being taken to ensure PWDs can vote independently and with confidence,” she stated.
Madam Kyeremaa praised the EC for committing to make polling stations accessible by eradicating obstacles akin to massive stones and gutters, which impede the motion of PWDs.
Awareness Campaigns
The GFD additionally emphasised the significance of focused consciousness campaigns to tell PWDs concerning the upcoming elections. “We made specific recommendations to the EC to ensure feeder actions are taken for targeted awareness. This will help persons with disabilities better understand and engage in the voting process,” Madam Kyeremaa famous.
Preferential Treatment and Inclusive Communication
The EC has additionally assured the GFD that PWDs will obtain preferential therapy at polling facilities.
“If a person with a disability arrives at a polling station, election officers will prioritize their voting process,” she defined.
Efforts have been made to make sure inclusive communication for people who’re deaf or listening to impaired. Common signal language and different accessibility measures will probably be used in the course of the elections to reinforce understanding and participation.
Commitment to Inclusive Elections
The GFD’s collaboration with the EC underscores a shared dedication to making sure that the voting course of is inclusive, accessible, and empowering for all residents, no matter bodily or communication obstacles.
By Madjid Diallo || Ghananewsonline.com.gh
