The Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs has directed all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) across the country to update their records of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in order to improve planning, support, and service delivery for vulnerable groups.
The Minister’s call forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen inclusion, ensure accurate data collection, and improve the distribution of resources and social support programmes targeted at persons living with disabilities in Ghana.
Assemblies Asked to Update PWD Records
According to the Minister, maintaining accurate and up-to-date records of Persons with Disabilities is essential for effective local governance and the successful implementation of policies aimed at promoting the welfare of PWDs.
He noted that district assemblies play a critical role in identifying the needs of persons with disabilities within their communities and ensuring that the necessary interventions reach them in a timely and efficient manner.
The directive is expected to help assemblies improve their databases, identify gaps in support systems, and enhance the planning of disability-related programmes at the local level.
Move to Improve Inclusion and Service Delivery
The Minister emphasized that updated records would allow local authorities to better target social interventions, educational support, healthcare assistance, skills training, and other development programmes meant for Persons with Disabilities.
He stressed that data accuracy is key to ensuring that PWDs are not left out of national and local development initiatives.
The move is also expected to support government’s broader commitment to inclusive development, equal opportunities, and the protection of the rights of persons with disabilities across the country.
Better Data for Better Planning
Experts have long argued that one of the major challenges affecting disability support systems in Ghana is the lack of comprehensive and regularly updated data on PWD populations in many districts.
By directing assemblies to update their records, the Ministry hopes to strengthen evidence-based planning and ensure that disability funds and support programmes are allocated fairly and effectively.
The exercise could also help local authorities monitor the living conditions, employment needs, health concerns, and educational challenges facing persons with disabilities in different parts of the country.
Commitment to Supporting Persons with Disabilities
The Minister’s directive highlights the growing national focus on disability inclusion and the need for stronger local structures to support vulnerable populations.
Stakeholders in the disability and social protection sectors are expected to welcome the move, as it could improve access to support services and ensure that more persons with disabilities benefit from government interventions.
With local assemblies now being urged to take action, attention will turn to how quickly and effectively the data update process is carried out across the country.