Africa-Press – Ghana. A capacity-building workshop aimed at empowering young persons with disabilities (YPWDs) with advocacy skills to enhance their participation in local governance has been held in Tamale.
The training, organised by the Centre for Research and Development Alternatives (CREDA) with support from STAR Ghana Foundation, formed part of the implementation of the Voice for Access Project (VAP) under phase II of the Action for Voice and Inclusive Development (AVID) programme.
It focused on educating YPWDs on Ghana’s decentralization system emphasising the importance of their active involvement in local decision-making and policy direction.
Participants were drawn from the District Youth Federations of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) and other government appointees representing PwDs at the assemblies including some elected assembly members of the Tamale, Gushegu, Savelugu, Yendi, Karaga, Nanumba South, Saboba, and Kumbungu Districts.
Some representatives from the Northern Regional Youth Network and GFD also took part in the training.
The workshop was to equip participants with knowledge and practical skills to effectively engage with district assemblies and contribute to community-level planning and development.
Discussions focused on the structure and function of the district assembly system, legal frameworks supporting disability rights, and advocacy strategies for influencing local development plans.
Mr Abukari Iddrisu, Programmes Manager, CREDA, speaking during the training, said it was to ensure that the development needs of YPWDs were prioritized in the 2026–2029 Medium-Term Development Plans of District Assemblies.
He said, “This will help address the persistent challenges persons with disabilities face in their communities.”
He rallied the support of various stakeholders in the country to implement policies and programmes that guaranteed the rights and dignity of YPWDs.
Mr Haruna Mahamud, Budget Analyst, Northern Regional Coordinating Council, delivered a presentation on the rights and responsibilities of YPWDs within local governance and urged participants to actively engage in public forums, advocate for their rights, and understand the processes behind the District Assemblies Common Fund and its disbursement.
He encouraged participants to use data and evidence in their advocacy to influence decision-making more effectively.
Mrs Sahadatu Nima Abukari, Northern Regional President, GFD described the training as impactful and said it promoted inclusive participation, built their confidence, and empowered young persons with disabilities to meaningfully contribute to community development.
She touched on challenges such as inaccessible meeting venues, limited access to information, and persistent stigma and discrimination, which continued to hinder full participation of YPWDs in governance processes.
Participants at the end of the workshop drew action plans reaffirming their commitment to influencing the decision-making space at the assembly level to get some of the critical needs of PwDs included on the ongoing development of the 2026-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan at the assemblies.
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