Story By: Emmanuel Anyigba
THE MEMBER of Parliament for Ablekuma North, Hon. Ewurabena Aubynn, has praised 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 noted that this initiative is not just a social benefit but a constitutional right, supported by Article 25 of the Constitution and the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
Citing data from the 2021 Population and Housing Census, Hon. Aubynn highlighted that 2.1 million Ghanaians—about 8% of the population—live with disabilities, with higher numbers recorded among women and people in rural areas.
To further promote disability inclusion, she proposed several key reforms, including:
Sustainable funding for the Students Loan Trust Fund and GETFund
Strict enforcement of the Ghana Building Code (GS 1207:2018) to ensure accessible infrastructure
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 tracking progress and addressing challenges
Public education to reduce stigma and promote acceptance
Employment pathways, including internships and fair recruitment opportunities
Hon. Aubynn stressed that the success of the free tertiary education policy depends on making institutions truly accessible. She therefore called for full enforcement of accessibility standards and continuous policy improvements to support persons with disabilities.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
