The Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD) has disclosed plans by the Electoral Commission (EC) to employ more persons with disability (PWDs) as polling station officers in the upcoming December elections.
During an engagement with the press, shortly after a closed door meeting with the EC, GFD described the initiative as a significant step toward creating awareness and promoting inclusivity for PWDs in Ghana.
GFD spokesperson Bismark Amu explained that this decision aligns with the EC’s broader vision of boosting the confidence of PWDs and fostering their sense of belonging within society. “The Electoral Commission informed us of some plans to involve persons with disability by employing them as polling officials or presiding officials at polling stations,” he said.
He indicated that involving PWDs in such roles will help identify potential challenges and improve the voting process for disabled persons in future elections.
The EC has also assured GFD of providing detailed data on the number and locations of PWDs employed. This data will serve as a reference point for making informed recommendations to further improve voting accessibility for PWDs in subsequent elections.
“The Electoral Commission has done very well in ensuring that persons with disabilities are given preferential treatment. We shall receive all the relevant data, which will aid us in making recommendations to enhance the voting experience for voters with disabilities in the future,”
By: Kobina Baidoo