PWDs Advocate for Equal Voting Rights as Candidates in Ashaiman Sign Peace Accord

Winfred Nyarko, the Vice-Chairman of the Ghana Blind Union in the Ashaiman Constituency, has called on electoral stakeholders to engage more actively with Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to ensure they have equal access to voting in the upcoming December 7, 2024 elections. Speaking to the Daily Graphic during a consultative dialogue and peace pact signing event in Ashaiman, Nyarko emphasized that PWDs in the constituency feel largely ignored by political parties, the Electoral Commission (EC), security agencies, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE).

According to Nyarko, PWDs face significant barriers when participating in political and electoral processes, which hinders their full involvement in the democratic process. He stressed the importance of empowering PWDs with necessary tools, such as tactile jackets, to facilitate independent voting. Nyarko urged stakeholders, including the EC, to take proactive steps to ensure that PWDs are able to vote without obstacles, whether it’s at polling stations or throughout the electoral process.

The consultative dialogue, organized by the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council and the NCCE, was part of a series of engagements for constituencies identified as election hotspots in the region. The event received funding from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the British Council, and the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office. Nyarko also appealed to electoral authorities and political parties to address accessibility challenges at polling stations, making reasonable accommodations for PWDs to vote with ease and dignity.

In his address, Nyarko further urged political parties to engage with PWDs, understand their needs, and offer specific solutions to address accessibility issues. He emphasized that such engagements would not only promote inclusion but also demonstrate political parties’ commitment to ensuring that PWDs can participate fully in the electoral process. For Nyarko, a more inclusive approach to the electoral process would signal real progress in terms of democracy and equal rights for all citizens, regardless of their physical abilities.

Henry Attoh Okai, the Executive Secretary of the Greater Accra Regional Peace Council, praised the consultative dialogue and the peace pact signing as an important and timely initiative. He explained that the dialogue and peace pact were vital to promoting a peaceful election process and ensuring that political parties and their supporters conduct themselves in a way that promotes harmony and tolerance. Okai emphasized that the peace pact was intended to guide political parties in their actions, ensuring that they promote peace, engage in consensus-building, and maintain civility in the media during the campaign period.

In his remarks, Okai also urged political parties to honor the terms of the peace pact, stating that such adherence would help reinforce Ghana’s democratic credentials. He underscored the importance of a peaceful election in upholding the country’s democratic values and maintaining social cohesion. Okai’s call for peace and adherence to the pact was echoed by other stakeholders present at the event, who shared the view that a peaceful election is critical for the country’s stability and future progress.

The Ashaiman Municipal Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Assistant Superintendent of Police Isaac P.K. Avornorkadzi, assured the public that the security agencies were fully prepared to ensure the safety of all participants in the elections. He called on political parties to cooperate with the security forces to ensure that peace was maintained during the election process and in the days leading up to and after the polls.

During the event, political parties in the Ashaiman Constituency, including the New Patriotic Party (NPP), the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), and the Progressive People’s Party (PPP), signed a peace pact committing to maintaining peace before, during, and after the 2024 elections. The pact is designed to encourage a peaceful political climate and reduce the likelihood of violence. However, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was notably absent from the peace pact signing, raising questions about their participation in the initiative.

This dialogue and peace pact signing event are part of broader efforts to ensure that the December 2024 elections are conducted peacefully and inclusively, with full consideration for the rights of PWDs and other marginalized groups. The collaborative efforts of stakeholders, including political parties, security agencies, and civil society, are vital to ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their circumstances, are able to engage fully in the electoral process. The peace pact, along with Nyarko’s call for greater inclusion of PWDs, underscores the importance of an inclusive, peaceful, and accessible election.