The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has instructed all Regional Directors of Health to take immediate steps to enhance disability-friendly healthcare services across the country, with compliance set to be a key factor in performance evaluations.

A directive issued by Acting Director-General, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, outlines specific measures aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity for persons with disabilities in hospitals.

The directive follows discussions with Regional Directors on February 13, 2025, where the need for improved disability-friendly facilities was highlighted.

Following this, GHS engaged with the National Disability Council and the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations to develop strategies for strengthening rehabilitation services and implementing critical modifications in healthcare facilities.

Citing Section 33 of the Disability Act, the directive underscores the legal obligation of health institutions to provide equal access to healthcare for persons with disabilities. These requirements include making structural adjustments, ensuring priority care for individuals with disabilities, and providing sign language interpreters where necessary.

To drive these reforms, Regional Directors have been instructed to activate and reinforce existing structures in hospitals, ensure functional social welfare offices, update peer review checklists to include inclusivity measures, and reorient disability focal persons at regional and district levels.

Prof. Akoriyea emphasized that adherence to these directives will be closely monitored and reflected in performance assessments, reinforcing GHS’s commitment to ensuring equitable healthcare access for all.