The Challenged Foundation, a disability empowerment and advocacy organization, has launched a national petition calling for full accessibility in Ghanaian schools, universities, courts, public buildings, and transport systems.
The petition, titled “Make Ghana’s Free Education Truly Accessible-Enforce the Law and Open the Doors,” calls on government to ensure the real-life implementation of accessibility standards under Act 715 (Persons with Disability Act) and LI 2465 (Building Regulations).
According to the Foundation, Ghana has taken a bold and commendable step by introducing free tertiary education for persons with disabilities. This landmark policy has been welcomed as a major breakthrough for inclusion and equal opportunity.
However, the Foundation notes that the impact of this initiative is limited if the physical environment remains inaccessible.
“Free education is powerful but it means little if a student cannot enter the classroom, access a lecture hall, use a toilet, or board a bus,” said Mrs. Veronica L. Amartey-Owusu, Founder of The Challenged Foundation and an Amazon best-selling author, empowerment coach, and disability inclusion advocate.
Barriers Still Restrict Access
Despite Ghana’s legal framework on disability rights, many public spaces remain physically inaccessible. These barriers include:
Schools and universities without ramps, elevators, or accessible toilets
Public offices, courts, and district assemblies lacking access ramps
Public buses and transportation systems without wheelchair support
Inadequate disability parking, often misused by non-PWD drivers
Poor accessibility signage and lack of tactile paving for the visually impaired
These barriers deny persons with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in education, justice systems, employment, and civic life.
A National Call for Implementation
Through this petition, The Challenged Foundation is urging Government to:
Conduct a nationwide accessibility audit
Retrofit schools, universities, courts, and public offices
Enforce disability-friendly transport systems
Provide accessible toilets and parking facilities
Ensure compliance with Act 715 and LI 2465 at the municipal level
Launch accessibility desks and public complaint systems at MMDAs
“We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for equal access. Inclusion is not complete until buildings, buses, and services open their doors to everyone,” Mrs. Amartey-Owusu emphasized.
A Movement for Dignity and Equal Opportunity
The petition marks the beginning of the #OpenTheDoorsGH Campaign, a nationwide call to remove physical and systemic barriers affecting persons with disabilities.
The Foundation is inviting citizens, educators, disability organizations, policymakers, and global partners to support the movement.
How to Support the Petition
The public is encouraged to sign and share the petition using the link below:
https://www.change.org/OpenTheDoorsForPWDs
#OpenTheDoorsGH #AccessibilityForAll #PWDGhana #InclusiveEducation #Act715 #DisabilityRights
More Stories
Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin has officially referred the nomination of Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie for the position of Chief Justice to the Appointments Committee for vetting and recommendation.
Galamsey could cost government 2028 elections — Dr. Asah Asante warns
Africa Should Take Ownership of Its Health Security – Mahama