The Founder of the Centre for Disability Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, Andrew Nii Okaikwei, has criticized the government for excluding persons with disabilities (PWDs) from Ghana’s Special Voting arrangements ahead of the upcoming elections.Speaking on the AM Show on Joy News on Wednesday, December 4, Mr.

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Okaikwei expressed disappointment over the lack of inclusivity, emphasizing that free and fair elections are vital to ensuring the democratic participation of all citizens.He highlighted the challenges PWDs face at polling stations, including limited accessibility, which often prevents them from fully exercising their civic rights.

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“Accessibility of polling stations, voting technologies, and other aspects of the process can greatly impact the ability of PWDs to vote. Barriers can be social, political, physical, or economic. Poverty and disability’s impact on voter participation is well documented,” he explained.Mr. Okaikwei acknowledged the strides Ghana has made in tackling these issues but stressed that more needs to be done.

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“We’ve come far, but we could’ve done better. Some public places are still inaccessible to PWDs, and where ramps or lifts exist, their wheelchairs often fail to meet international standards. Efforts have been made, but implementation has been lacking,” he said.He praised political parties for incorporating disability policies into their manifestos but emphasized that actions are needed to back up the promises.

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“The most important thing is implementation. We look forward to seeing their commitments become reality,” he urged.Reflecting on a recent dialogue between his organization and the Electoral Commission (EC), Mr Okaikwei described how including PWDs in special voting arrangements would have demonstrated Ghana’s commitment to inclusivity.“It would’ve been fantastic and made voting easier for them.

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It’s about showing our commitment as a country to addressing disability issues,” he remarked.He guaranteed that steps are in place to support PWDs during the elections. His center has collaborated with various disability organizations, including those representing the visually impaired, hearing-impaired, and physically disabled, to offer election education and guidelines.

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“We have a team on the ground, particularly in areas like Awutu-Senya, to support PWDs. The EC has also assured accessibility on election day, but more could have been done,” he concluded.

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