Disability and political participation in Ghana: an alternative perspective

Abstract

Persons with disabilities (PWDs) rarely attain political positions in Ghana. This relates more to the scenario of PWDs as candidates contesting for political position than the mere participation as voters. The core objective of this article is to examine the extent to which local politics remain directly accessible to PWDs in Ghana. In specific terms, this study seeks to analyse the context within which PWDs strive for political inclusion into the local government system, to identify and examine the factors impeding the participation of PWDs in local politics. Findings from the survey linked the inadequate political representation of PWDs to multiple factors, namely: (1) stigmatization and negative social perception regarding the capabilities of PWDs, (2) lack of resources, including financial and logistical support, required for effective campaign, (3) accessibility challenges relating to the built environment, communication and information access and (4) educational background of PWDs. Flowing from these outcomes, the prospect of affirmative political action as a ‘gap-bridging’ alternative has been examined. The research methodology was primarily qualitative.

Keywords:

• disability
• politics
• Ghana

Acknowledgements

This article was adapted from a baseline study conducted between January and March 2013, in collaboration with the GSPD. I wish to express a profound appreciation to the GSPD, and pay tribute to the former director of the organization, who passed away recently. May the soul of Charles Appiagyei rest in perfect peace. The official of the various district and municipal assemblies who provided data for the study also deserved acknowledgement. This includes the coordinating director and presiding officer of the Akuapim North District Assembly, Tano North District, the social welfare officer of Sunyani East and New Juaben Municipal Assembly. Appreciation also goes to all individual respondents, who participated in the study. I am equally grateful to Dr Wisdom Kwadjwo Mprah, Center for Disability Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, for his useful comments on the earlier draft report from which this work article has been adapted. The GSPD sponsored the field research on which the article is based.

Notes

1. The study focused on the right to political participation of persons with mental health challenges.

2. The federation relies on the feedback from the registered members of its member organizations. However not all PWDs in Ghana are registered members of the disability organizations that compose the federation.

3. A nationwide survey is yet to be carried out in this respect.

4. GBU, GNAD and GSPD were the founding members of the GFD.

5. Tano North District and Sunyani East Municipal Assemblies are located within the Brong Ahafo Region while Akuapim North and New Juaben are in the eastern region of Ghana.

6. The respondent was a former PWD parliamentary aspirant and assembly member of Tano North District. He was also the former director of the GSPD.

7. The Constitution Review Commission (CRC) was set up by a Constitutional Instrument 2010 (C.I.) 64 as a Commission of Inquiry to conduct a consultative review of the operation of the 1992 Constitution.

8. Dr Danaa, first PWD (visually impaired), was appointed by the NDC Government in February 2013.

9. The Local Government Act 462 of 1993 provides a legal framework for political decentralization in Ghana.

10. The 1992 constitution is the most supreme law of the state.