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Report by Edward FRIMPONG
Ghana, represented by the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, is actively participating in the 17th Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP17) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
The COSP is the largest global meeting focused on disability rights, aimed at ensuring countries uphold their commitments to guarantee equality for all individuals.
Since the Convention’s adoption in 2008, the COSP has convened annually to monitor the implementation of this landmark treaty, which has been signed by 191 UN Member States.
This year’s COSP17 is themed “Rethinking Disability Inclusion in the Current International Juncture and Ahead of the Summit of the Future.”
The conference will address the challenges and opportunities related to work, cutting-edge technology, humanitarian crises, and issues arising from conflicts and climate disasters.
Hon. Dakoa Newman, Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection, is leading Ghana’s delegation at the conference.
In her statement, Hon. Newman emphasized Ghana’s long-standing commitment to the principles of inclusion and non-discrimination enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of persons with Disabilities (CRPD).
“As a signatory to the Convention since 2012, we have made significant strides in our efforts to promote the rights and participation of persons with disabilities,” she said.
Hon. Newman highlighted that the Government of Ghana, in line with SDG 11, has developed various programmes and interventions in collaboration with other government agencies and civil society organizations. Key initiatives include the Common Fund for Persons with Disabilities, which has provided essential support to over a thousand individuals at decentralized levels.
The Minister called for strengthened international collaboration through joint programmes, resource sharing, training, and regional networks.
She stressed that such cooperation would enable countries to learn from each other and adopt effective strategies.
She urged all member states to commit to these strategic directions and work collaboratively towards a world where disability inclusion is a reality for all.
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