The Member of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, has commended the government for introducing free tertiary education for persons with disabilities—a policy launched on October 25, 2025.
Speaking in Parliament to mark the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, she emphasized that this initiative is not merely a social intervention but a constitutional obligation, grounded in Article 25 of the Constitution and the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
Referencing findings from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Hon. Aubynn noted that 2.1 million Ghanaians—representing about 8% of the population—live with disabilities, with disproportionately higher figures among women and individuals in rural communities.
To strengthen disability inclusion nationwide, she outlined several critical reforms, including:
- Sustainable funding for the Students Loan Trust Fund and GETFund
- Provision of assistive technologies, such as sign-language interpreters and braille materials
- Mobility and welfare support, including transport stipends for students
- Improved data systems for monitoring progress and identifying challenges
- Expanded public education to reduce stigma and promote acceptance
- Enhanced employment pathways through internships and equitable recruitment practices
Hon. Aubynn stressed that the success of the free tertiary education policy hinges on the ability of institutions to ensure full accessibility.
She therefore called for strict enforcement of accessibility standards and continuous policy refinements to better support persons with disabilities.
By Sampson Kumah Ifeetwube Elvis
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