Accra: 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.
According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop focused on educating YPWDs on Ghana’s decentralization system, emphasizing 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 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) at the assemblies, including elected assembly members from various districts such as Tamale, Gushegu, Savelugu, Yendi, Karaga, Nanumba South, Saboba, and Kumbungu.
The workshop aimed to equip participants with knowledge and practical skills to effectively engage with district assemblies and contribute to community-level planning and development. Discussions centered 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 at CREDA, emphasized the need to prioritize the development needs of YPWDs in the 2026-2029 Medium-Term Development Plans of District Assemblies. He highlighted the persistent challenges faced by persons with disabilities in their communities and called for the support of various stakeholders to implement policies and programmes that guarantee the rights and dignity of YPWDs.
Mr. Haruna Mahamud, Budget Analyst at the Northern Regional Coordinating Council, delivered a presentation on the rights and responsibilities of YPWDs within local governance. He 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 the use of data and evidence in advocacy to influence decision-making more effectively.
Mrs. Sahadatu Nima Abukari, Northern Regional President of GFD, described the training as impactful, promoting inclusive participation and empowering young persons with disabilities to meaningfully contribute to community development. She addressed challenges such as inaccessible meeting venues, limited access to information, and persistent stigma and discrimination, which hinder the full participation of YPWDs in governance processes.
Participants concluded the workshop by drawing action plans to influence decision-making at the assembly level, aiming to ensure inclusion of critical needs of PwDs in the ongoing development of the 2026-2029 Medium-Term Development Plan at the assemblies.