NCCE Calls for Inclusive Environment for Persons with Disabilities

The Yendi Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) has called on stakeholders and the general public to create an inclusive environment that promotes the rights, dignity, and meaningful participation of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghanaian society.

The call was made at the 2026 Regional Disability Conference of the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled (GSPD), held at the Yendi Senior High School Assembly Hall.

The Municipal Director of the NCCE, Mr. Osman Kassim, was invited as a guest speaker at the conference but was represented by an Assistant Civic Education Officer (ACEO), Mr. Yakubu Mohammed Baba, who delivered a message on his behalf.

The conference brought together Persons with Disabilities from across the Northern Region, representatives of the media and other stakeholders.

Speaking on the theme, “The Disability of a Person is Well Echoed and Amplified by His Environment,” Mr. Baba described the theme as profound and relevant to the promotion of an inclusive society.

He explained that disability should not be viewed solely from the perspective of an individual's physical condition but should also be understood in relation to the barriers created by society and the environment.

According to him, inaccessible public buildings, schools, workplaces and roads, coupled with negative societal attitudes, stigma and the failure to implement relevant laws, could further limit the ability of PWDs to participate fully in society.

He stressed that “when the environment is inclusive, disability is reduced; when it is exclusive, disability is amplified.”

Mr. Baba highlighted the mandate of the NCCE under Article 233 of the 1992 Constitution, which requires the Commission to educate citizens on their civic rights and responsibilities.

He noted that the Constitution provides important safeguards for PWDs, particularly under Article 29, which guarantees specific rights and protections for persons with disabilities. He also cited Article 12(2), which guarantees fundamental human rights and freedoms to every person without discrimination, and Article 17, which provides for equality before the law and prohibits discrimination.

He therefore emphasized that providing equal opportunities and an enabling environment for PWDs was not an act of charity, but a constitutional right and a collective responsibility.

The NCCE representative urged stakeholders to critically examine the environments in which PWDs live, work, learn and participate in public life. He challenged stakeholders to consider whether public buildings were accessible, whether schools were adequately implementing inclusive education, and whether PWDs were being given meaningful opportunities to participate in decision-making processes at the local government level.

He also called on the public to desist from stigmatization, discrimination, and other practices that undermine the dignity and rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mr. Baba further encouraged relevant institutions and stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715), and other policies and measures intended to promote the welfare, rights and participation of PWDs.

He reaffirmed the commitment of the NCCE Yendi Municipal Office to continue working with the Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled and other stakeholders to promote the rights, dignity and civic participation of Persons with Disabilities.