President John Dramani Mahama has launched the Free Tertiary Education for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) initiative, describing it as “an act of justice and equality” that reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to inclusion and social progress.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, President Mahama said the policy represents Ghana’s choice of “inclusion over exclusion,” and is designed to “light the path for many generations to come.”
He emphasized that the move is not charity, but a matter of fairness and the recognition of the rights and potential of all citizens.
As part of the new reforms, President Mahama announced that the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) will be amended to make it more responsive to contemporary realities and the needs of persons living with disabilities.
To ensure effective planning and targeted interventions, the President disclosed that government will compile a comprehensive national database of PWDs.
This, he said, will provide the evidence base to guide national policies and social protection programs.
In addition, government will enforce a minimum five percent employment quota for PWDs across both public and private sectors to promote workplace inclusivity.
President Mahama also announced that beginning 2026, the allocation of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) for PWDs will increase from three to five percent.
He explained that each Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assembly (MMDA) will now be required to clearly outline how disability-related funds will be utilized, ensuring transparency and measurable impact.
As part of efforts to enhance mobility and economic participation, government will also distribute rechargeable motorbikes to PWDs across the country.
He called on civil society, educational institutions, traditional authorities, and the private sector to join hands with government “in solidarity to celebrate our differences and the value of every human being.”
The President intimated that, when barriers are removed for one person, doors are opened for all, because inclusion is the foundation of a shared humanity.
The Free Tertiary Education for PWDs initiative marks a milestone in Ghana’s social inclusion agenda and positions the country as a leader in disability rights and empowerment in Africa.
By: Christian Kpesese
