WODAO honours EU, Sightsavers, partners at close of two-year disability inclusion project in Ho

The Women with Disability Development and Advocacy Organization (WODAO) has honoured the European Union, Sightsavers International and key partners for their contributions to advancing disability inclusion in Ghana, as it marked the end of a two-year project in Ho.

At a Learn and Share Festival held on March 31, 2026, at the GNAT Conference Hall, WODAO presented a citation of honour to the European Union and Sightsavers International, while issuing certificates of recognition to partner organizations and collaborators whose support contributed to the successful implementation of the initiative.

The event brought together government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), traditional authorities and community leaders to reflect on the outcomes of the project titled “Strengthening Civil Society Representation of Women with Disabilities in Ghana.”

Funded by the European Union and implemented by WODAO in partnership with Sightsavers and the ABAK Foundation, the project ran from May 2024 to May 2026, focusing on strengthening the capacity of civil society organizations to promote gender equality, disability inclusion and the meaningful participation of women with disabilities in governance and decision-making processes.

Speaking at the event, Executive Director of WODAO, Veronica Denyo Kofiedu, described the recognition as a demonstration of appreciation for the strong partnerships that underpinned the project’s success.

She said the initiative had strengthened two co-applicant organizations and 23 downstream groups across the Volta and Oti Regions, while mentoring 45 women with disabilities to actively engage in advocacy and community processes.

“We have contributed to ensuring that women and girls with disabilities are not only seen and heard, but actively engaged in shaping decisions that affect their lives,” she stated.

She added that the project also promoted gender equality, disability inclusion, climate-responsive advocacy and enhanced grassroots participation.

Programme Manager at Sightsavers, Mohammed Abdul-Razak, highlighted the impact of the project, noting that it reached over 2,000 beneficiaries and maintained strong implementation performance throughout its duration.

He called on government to expedite the passage of the Persons with Disabilities Bill and address employment challenges confronting persons with disabilities, particularly graduates.

Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, commended the implementing partners for their collaboration, describing the project as a model for inclusive development.

“Inclusive development is not optional—it is essential. No society can truly progress if sections of its population are left behind,” he said.

Volta Regional Coordinating Director, Alhaji Mohammed Avona Akape, also underscored the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development outcomes.

“Today we celebrate the progress we have made together. This project has shown us that when we work together, we can achieve great things,” he said, stressing the need to sustain collaboration to maintain the gains achieved.

A Project Officer at WODAO, George Kofiedu, revealed that the project exceeded several of its targets, including training 122 civil society staff against a target of 75, reaching 586 downstream participants, and implementing 36 advocacy actions.

He, however, noted challenges such as limited awareness of disability inclusion, resource constraints, coordination difficulties and accessibility gaps.

Delivering a solidarity message, Executive Director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana, Dr. Joseph Kobla Wemakor, emphasised the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to advance disability inclusion.

He described inclusive storytelling and representation as critical tools in amplifying the voices of persons with disabilities.

“Storytelling is power. Visibility is power. Voice is power,” he said.

Dr. Wemakor also announced that Human Rights Reporters Ghana will host a high-level dialogue at RightsCon 2026 on May 6, 2026, at the Mulungushi International Conference Centre in Lusaka, Zambia.

The dialogue, themed “Silenced Twice: Press Freedom and Disability Voices Under Threat in Africa,” will bring together journalists, disability rights advocates, policymakers and digital rights actors to explore ways of improving inclusion in media and digital spaces.

He explained that the forum will examine how media systems can be made more inclusive, promote ethical reporting on disability issues, strengthen the capacity of persons with disabilities to tell their own stories and address the risks of digital exclusion.

“This is not just a media issue—it is a human rights issue. When voices are excluded, democracy itself is weakened,” he said.

Participants at the event reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the gains of the project and strengthening partnerships to promote inclusive development across Ghana.