The Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organization has honoured the European Union, Sightsavers and key partners for their contributions to advancing disability inclusion in Ghana, marking the successful completion of a two-year transformative project in Ho.
The recognition took place during a Learn and Share Festival held on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at the GNAT Conference Hall, where WODAO presented a citation of honour to the European Union and Sightsavers, alongside certificates of recognition to partner organizations and collaborators.
The event brought together government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), traditional authorities and community leaders to reflect on the impact of the project, “Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana.”
Celebrating partnerships that drive inclusion
Funded by the European Union and implemented by WODAO in partnership with Sightsavers and the ABAK Foundation, the project ran from May 2024 to May 2026, focusing on empowering civil society to promote gender equality, disability inclusion and meaningful participation of women with disabilities in governance and decision-making.
Executive Director of WODAO, Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, described the recognition as a symbol of appreciation for the strong partnerships that made the project successful.
“We have contributed to ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are not only seen and heard, but actively engaged in shaping decisions that affect their lives,” she said.
According to her, the initiative strengthened two co-applicant organizations and 23 downstream groups across the Volta and Oti Regions, while mentoring 45 women with disabilities to actively engage in advocacy and community processes.
She added that the project advanced gender equality, disability inclusion, climate-responsive advocacy and grassroots participation.
Impact, progress and policy calls
Programme Manager at Sightsavers, Mohammed Abdul-Razak, highlighted the project’s reach, noting that it impacted more than 2,000 beneficiaries while maintaining strong implementation performance.
He called on government to fast-track the passage of the Persons with Disabilities Bill and address employment challenges affecting persons with disabilities, particularly graduates.
Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, commended the implementing partners, describing the initiative as a model for inclusive development.
“Inclusive development is not optional—it is essential. No society can truly progress if sections of its population are left behind,” he said.
Similarly, Volta Regional Coordinating Director, Alhaji Mohammed Avona Akape, underscored the importance of sustained partnerships in achieving long-term development outcomes.
Exceeding targets despite challenges
A Project Officer at WODAO, George Kofiedu, revealed that the project surpassed several of its targets, including training 122 civil society staff against a target of 75, reaching 586 downstream participants, and implementing 36 advocacy actions.
However, he noted persistent challenges such as limited awareness of disability inclusion, resource constraints, coordination difficulties and accessibility gaps.
Storytelling as a tool for change
Delivering a solidarity message, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, emphasized the need for stronger collaboration to sustain progress in disability inclusion.
He highlighted the role of media and storytelling in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities.
“Storytelling is power. Visibility is power. Voice is power,” he stated.
Dr. Wemakor also announced that HRRG will host a high-level dialogue at the RightsCon 2026 on May 6, 2026, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre.
The dialogue, themed “Silenced Twice: Press Freedom and Disability Voices Under Threat in Africa,” will convene journalists, policymakers, disability rights advocates and digital rights actors to explore ways of improving inclusion in media and digital spaces.
“This is not just a media issue—it is a human rights issue. When voices are excluded, democracy itself is weakened,” he added.
Sustaining the momentum
As the project draws to a close, participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining its gains and strengthening partnerships to promote inclusive development across Ghana.
The event served not only as a celebration of progress, but also as a renewed call to action—reminding stakeholders that true inclusion requires continuous commitment, collaboration and accountability.
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