baseline survey on the status, family and socio-economic status of persons with disabilities in...
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Baseline Report, 2011 Baseline Study on the Status, Family and
Socio-Economic Conditions of Persons with
Disabilities in Bawku West District
BAWKU WEST DISTRICT ASSEMBLY
i
Bawku West District September 2011
Baseline Study on the Status, Family and
Socio-Economic Conditions of Persons with
Disabilities in Bawku West District
Led and prepared by
Monaliza V. Calapini Gender Development Advisor
VSO Volunteer Bawku West District Assembly
Prepared for
Department of Social Welfare Bawku West District
Zebilla Upper East Region
GHANA
Supported by
World Vision Ghana ADP-Bawku West Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)
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© Bawku West District Assembly Copyright 2011 All rights reserved. Published 2011 Printed in Ghana Bawku West District Assembly Department of Social Welfare P.O. Box 1 Bawku West District Zebilla Upper East Region GHANA Telephone: Fax: E-mail: [email protected] [email protected] Website: www.bawkuwest.ghanadistricts.gov.gh This study has been funded and supported by World Vision Ghana Bawku West ADP and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) - Ghana This report is available electronically in PDF and HTML formats on Bawku West District Assembly website: www.bawkuwest.ghanadistricts.gov.gh
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Table of Contents Bawku West District Assembly © Bawku West District Assembly Table of contents Iii List of tables Iv List of Figures V List of abbreviations and acronyms Vi Preface Vii Acknowledgements Viii Executive Summary 1 Introduction 2 Chapter I: Context in which disabled persons live 4 1.1 The geography, socio-economy and socio-demography of Bawku West District 4 1.2 Definition of disability 8 1.3 Development Context 9 Chapter II: Policies, legislations and legal framework of Ghana in mainstreaming disability 11 2.1 Disability Policies in Ghana 11 2.2 The Disability Act 12 Chapter III: Findings of the study 14 3.1 Personal characteristics of respondents 14 3.1.1 Marital status 15 3.1.2 Religious affiliation 16 3.1.3 Registration status 18 3.2 Socio-economic condition 19 3.2.1 Current schooling status and educational attainment 19 3.2.2 Occupation, employment and labor market for Persons with Disabilities 23 3.2.3 Housing conditions and facilities 26 3.2.4 Properties/ materials owned 32 3.3 Socio-demographic condition 37 3.3.1 Age group distribution 37 3.3.2 Household living arrangements 38 3.3.3 Family members who left abroad 39 3.4 Organizational affiliation 40 3.5 Nature, causes and treatment of disability 42 3.6 Health condition 46 3.7 Health care 51 3.8 Government role as seen by Persons with Disabilities 55 3.8.1 Assistance from local government 59 3.8.2 Awareness of laws, policies and legislations that is supportive of PWDs 60 3.9 Children and Women with disabilities 63 3.9.1 Children with disabilities 63 3.9.2 Women with disabilities 69 Chapter IV: Conclusion and recommendations 74 4.1 Conclusion 74 4.2 Recommendations 75 Chapter V: Institutions involved in disability work in Ghana 77 List of References 83 Appendices 84 Appendix 1. List of personnel involved in the survey Appendix 2. Persons with Disability Act 715, 2006 Appendix 3. Baseline survey tool
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List of Tables
Table 1. Objectives of the Disability Act
Table 2. Zone composition and sex distribution
Table 3. Percentage according to age distribution by sex
Table 4. Religious affiliation of PWDs
Table 5. Educational attainment, status and reason of
discontinuation and inability to attend school
Table 6. Top five (5) appliances owned by PWDs
Table 7. Total of PWDs raised/ owned livestock/ poultry
Table 8. Percentage according to crops produced by PWDs
and other households
Table 9. Vehicles owned/ used by PWDs
Table 10. Household condition of PWDs according to structure, relation
to dwelling and source of income
Table 11. Awareness of laws, legislations, policies supportive of PWDs
and sources of information
Table 12. Nature, causes and treatment of disabilities of PWDs
Table 13. Health condition of PWDs and other family members
Table 14. Health care status and payment system
Table 15. Suggestions of PWDs addressed to local government on
how they can help the PWDs
Table 16. Perceived roles of the local government in relation to regional
and/or country in general
Table 17. Aspiration as a person and for community and society as a whole
Table 18. PWDs wish to be the state of District‟s local economy
Table 19. Dreams of WDs to be the condition of District‟s
natural environment
Table 20. PWDs‟ desired role in local governance
Table 21. Percentage of children with disability reported by their mother or
caretaker according to type of disability
Table 22. Nature of disability and health condition of children with
disabilities
Table 23. Nature of disability and health condition of women with
disabilities
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List of Figures
Figure 1. Percentage according to marital status by sex
Figure 2. Percentage according to religious affiliation
Figure 3. Percentage according to educational status and attainment
Figure 4. Percentage according to educational level by sex
Figure 5. Percentage of PWDs who have desire to return to formal school
Figure 6. Percentage according to registration status of PWDs in the
Department Social Welfare
Figure 7. Percentage according to occupation and sex distribution
Figure 8. Percentage according to household living arrangement
Figure 9. Percentage of PWDs owned appliances/ consumer durables
Figure 10. Percentage of livestock/ poultry raised/ owned by PWDs including
other households
Figure 11. Percentage according to land owned by PWDs by size
Figure 12. Percentage according to housing condition
Figure 13. Percentage according to source of potable and domestic water
Figure 14. Percentage according to source of power in the household
Figure 15. Percentage according to garbage disposal system
Figure 16. Percentage of PWDs who have family members abroad
Figure 17. Percentage according to organizational affiliation
Figure 18. Percentage according to awareness of disability policies,
legislations or laws
Figure 19. Percentage according to sources of information
Figure 20. Percentage according to support acquired from the government
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List of Abbreviations and Acronyms
AACT Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre
CDD Center for Democratic Development
GAB Ghana Association of the Blind
GFD Ghana Federation of Disabled
GNAD Ghana National Association of the Deaf
GPRS Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy
GSPD Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled
GSS Ghana Statistical Service
HIRD High Impact Rapid Delivery
ILO International Labor Organization
LEAP Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty
MDG Millennium Development Goal
NHIS National Health Insurance Scheme
OPWD Organizations of Persons with Disabilities
PACID Parents Association of Children with Intellectual Disability
PWD Persons with Disabilities
CRC Convention on the Rights of the Child
UNCRPD United Nation Convention on the Rights of PWDs
UNESCO United Nations Educational, Scientific
and Cultural Organization
VSO Voluntary Service Overseas
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Preface
This report presents results of the Baseline Study on the Status, Family and
Socio-Economic Conditions of Persons with Disabilities in Bawku West District
conducted from June to September, 2011 to provide indicators for Persons
with Disabilities Programmes. The study is a paramount programme of the
District Assembly as Persons with Disabilities are concerned. The survey was
initiated by the Bawku West Social Welfare Department with support from
World Vision Ghana, Bawku West ADP, Voluntary Service Overseas-Ghana and
Bawku West District Assembly.
The study responds to the need to have baseline data to support the
implementation of disability programmes in Bawku West District. It was
designed to provide district level indicators to capture and monitor progress
on issues relating to persons with disabilities in the District. Furthermore, the
baseline study was developed within the framework of Ghana Poverty
Reduction Strategy that identifies ineffective and insufficient safety nets in
health, education and welfare provisions as a key cause of poverty especially
for persons with disabilities who are considered as poorest and most
vulnerable in Ghana due to negative social and cultural behavior.
The survey findings provide a wealth of data to enhance the effectiveness of
programme implementation and for monitoring the situation of persons with
disabilities in general and in particular in the context of The Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs).
James A. Ayesake District Director
Department of Social Welfare
Bawku West District
Zebilla
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Acknowledgement
The successful execution of this Baseline Study of Persons with Disabilities in
Bawku West District was due to the invaluable support from institutions,
organizations and individuals to whom we owe a great deal of gratitude.
The Bawku West District Assembly, through the Department of Social Welfare,
initiated the project and the World Vision Ghana Bawku West ADP
organization provided funding for the study. We appreciate their effort in
helping us to implement this initiative.
We are also grateful to Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) for the immense
and diverse contribution ranging from provision of expertise, technical
assistance and logistical support. Ms. Monaliza V. Calapini, Gender
Development Advisor, a VSO Volunteer assign in Bawku West District was the
leader and writer of this study.
We are thankful to the Bawku West District Assembly (BWDA) for the support
in photocopying the questionnaires.
We acknowledge the Community Development Department of Bawku West
District for its substantial contribution to the survey, releasing staff to
participate in fieldwork.
We are thankful to the entire project staff of the survey, the District Director
of Social Welfare Department, Mr. James A. Ayesake; District Social Welfare
Staff, Edward A. Akiribila; District Community Development Staff, Samuel
Awinzor; and Student on Attachment , Apanga A. Grace for their immense
contribution to the implementation of the study.
We appreciate the support of other VSO Volunteers, Raj Kumar Prasad and
Nancy Keith for their tireless support, dedication and professionalism and
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other contribution in different phases of the study that has produced a very
good quality of data.
The contribution of other individuals, particularly the officers of Ghana
Federation of Disabled Persons in Bawku West District, who worked behind
the scene in various ways to assist the survey team, is acknowledged. Their
names have been printed in the appendix in recognition of their contribution.
We thank the contributors to the survey and this report for the good work
done. Their names have been mentioned individually in the report.
The final and sincere thanks go to all study respondents who prepared
themselves to be interviewed and contributed to the success of the Baseline
Study on the Status, Family and Socio-Economic Condition of Persons with
Disabilities in Bawku West.
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Executive Summary
The Baseline Study on the Status, Family and Socio-economic Condition of
Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Bawku West District aims to contribute to
research on the common and general situation of PWDs and the problems they
face. The study also attempts to find solutions to these problems and future
challenges.
In Ghana, a simple look at different projects aimed at mainstreaming various
vulnerable groups reveals evidence of how society is trying to reduce poverty.
Apart from wealth, human development encompasses a long lifespan, access to
health care, enjoyment of human rights and fundamental liberties. It includes the
possibility of easily obtaining a basic education as well as securing a certain level
of security.
Since the Ghana independence, the above mentioned components of human
development were part of both individual and collective efforts to improve the
standard of living standard for Ghanaians.
The government of Ghana set the availability of services in order to eradicate the
marginalization of persons with disabilities. Rehabilitation services, special schools
and centres were created in different places. However, they are not sufficient
compared to the demand. These services should be included in hospitals, schools
and within administratively decentralized structures such as at sector levels.
Different ministries are legally required to take actions to ensure the welfare of
PWDs. The strategy to strengthen the well-being of PWDs is to mainstream them
in the existing system and establishing concrete provision of services including
instituting special centres.
In Ghana, inclusion of persons with disabilities directly contributes to the
achievement of global development objectives enshrined in Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs).
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Introduction
Human development has been the main objective for every society and
particularly for developing societies. A simple look at different projects aimed at
mainstreaming various vulnerable groups in Bawku West reveals evidence of how
society is trying to reduce poverty. Apart from wealth, human development
encompasses a long lifespan, access to health care, enjoyment of human rights
and fundamental liberties. It includes the possibility of easily obtaining a basic
education as well as securing a certain level of security.
This report is based on the baseline survey with PWDs at the district level, carried
out by Bawku West Department of Social Welfare, in partnership with World Vision
and Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). The survey was based on the evaluation
of status, family and socio-economic condition of PWDs particularly the women
and children with disabilities. The study area covered the eleven (11) zones of
Bawku West District in Upper East Region.
The study was conducted on the basis of the need to have a baseline data to help
the policymakers, service providers, facilitators, advocates, catalyst and
orchestrators in mainstreaming PWDs in development.
In the last decades, several donor-specific programmes and projects have been
implemented in Ghana. The level of implementation differed from one donor to
another at the national, regional and district level. Accordingly, many international
organizations aim to improve the condition of women, children and PWDs.
Given the marginalization of persons with disabilities of all ages with any form of
disability continues to be an obstacle and to achieve the full and accelerated
implementation of the national social development action plan. PWDs can take
their rightful place in the community through gaining increased access to available
programs and services of the government and other resource institutions. This
situation constrained the PWDs mostly the women and children to enjoy their full
potentials as human beings and as a part of society.
3
Based on the High Impact Rapid Delivery Survey conducted by Ghana Statistical
Service, in Ghana, persons with physical disability are estimated to be
approximately ten percent (10%) of the total population. It indicates that PWDs
constitute a significant portion of Ghana‟s population, and promotion of improve
and quality life and living conditions of PWDs signify an important obligation of
government and its partners including other institution working on PWDs.
Hence, recognizing the need of PWDs to achieve equal enjoyment of all human
rights and development for all is therefore a call to address and take into account
in all policy-making, programming of the government and its partners.
This report presents a comprehensive analysis of study on the status, family and
socio-economic condition of PWDs in Bawku West District. Given the short
timescale of the study, which was conducted over a three (3) month period
between June to September 2011, the review of policy, official statistics and
research could not be exhaustive. However, we hope that it provides an overview
of existing knowledge about disabled people in Bawku West District, the linkages
between different areas of social policy and other institutions.
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CHAPTER 1
Context in which Persons with Disabilities’ live
Chapter 1 contains the study about disability in Bawku West which is
contextualized under the aspects of socio-economy and geography of Bawku West
District. It emphasizes the context in which persons with disabilities (PWDs) live.
Likewise, it also includes the definition of disability and associations and centres
working with disability in Ghana particularly in Bawku West District.
The geography, socio-economy and demography of Bawku West
District
A. GEOGRAPHY1
1) Location and size
The Bawku West District lies within the
Upper East Region of Ghana. It was
carved out of old Bawku District under the
new local government system in 1988. It
lies roughly between latitudes 100 30‟N
and 110 10‟N, and between longitudes 00
20‟E and 00 35‟E.
The District shares boundaries with Burkina Faso in the North, Bawku Municipality
to the East, Talensi/Nabdam District to the West and East Mamprusi District to the
South.
Two important tributaries of the Volta River namely the White and Red Volta ran
contiguous to the Districts‟ Eastern and Western boundaries respectively. The
District covers an area of approximately 1,070 square kilometers, which
1 MOFA Website
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constitutes about 12% of the total land area of the Upper East Region. It is the
fifth biggest district in the Upper East Region in terms of land area.
2) Topography and Drainage
The relief of the district is
generally flat to gently
undulating with slopes ranging
from 1-5%. These plains are
broken in some places by hills or
ranges formed from either
outcrops of Birimian rocks
(greenstones) or granite
intrusions. These ranges lie
along the border with Burkina-
Faso, north of Zebilla, and turn south-west from the Red Volta north of Nangodi in
the Talensi/Nabdam district. The granite areas are generally low to gently rolling
(120-255m a.s.1).
The District is drained by both the White and Red Volta and their tributaries. The
rivers over flow their banks during the rainy season (April-October). During the
dry season there is always an inflow of water from the Bagre dam which makes it
possible for farmers to pump for irrigation from the White Volta. The flow from
Bagna dam also causes flooding in the District destroying farms and houses.
3) Climate
The general climate of the district can be summarized by the long-term records at
Manga-Bawku Agricultural station, which are very representative of the Bawku
West District. The area experiences a unimodal rainfall regime lasting 4 to 6
months and a long dry period of 6 to 8 months in a year.
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4) Environmental Situation
The natural environment is highly degraded by land clearing for farming, fuel
wood harvesting, overgrazing, bush fire and harvesting of poles for construction.
The gold deposits found in the rocks north of Zebilla and south of Sapelliga has
increased the desire for mining by the youth. This is very clear in the Widna –
Teshie zone where illegal surface mining and stone quarrying are prevalent
resulting in serious land degradation and the pollution of surface water bodies.
B. SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS2
1) Labour Force
The Bawku West District has a total labour force of 133,889 who are engaged in
agricultural and non-agricultural activities. Out of this population, 80% are
actively involved in agricultural production with the remaining engaged in other
activities. The District has an active farming population of 107, 111 farmers made
up of 48,930 males and 58,181 females engaged in agricultural production. The
demand for labour is at its peak in the rainy season for most of the farming
activities. The youth is the major source of the causal labour that can be tapped
for both agriculture and non agriculture jobs.
2) Agriculture
Agriculture plays an important role in the socio economic development of the
Bawku West District. It provides incomes and employment for over 80% of the
population. The total cultivable area is 58,406 hectares and uncultivable area of
33,687. The principal agricultural produce in Bawku West are:
Tree Crops: Mangoes, Cashew.
Industrial Crops: Sheanut trees, Tomatoes, Soyabean, Dawadawa, Rice.
Roots & Tubers: Sweet potatoes, Frafra potatoes.
Cereals : Millet, Sorghum, Maize, Rice.
Fruits & Vegetables: Onions, Tomatoes, Pepper, Okra, Leafy vegetables,
Watermelon.
2 MOFA Website
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Legumes : Cowpea, Soyabean, Bambara nuts, Groundnuts.
Almost ninety eight percent (97.7%) PWDs in Bawku West are involved in
agricultural activities particularly faming.
3) Livestock
Apart from crop production, livestock and poultry rearing is the second most
important agricultural activity undertaken by farmers in the District. The
production is largely at subsistence level. The livestock reared include, cattle,
sheep, goats, pigs and donkeys, while the poultry are guinea fowls, fowls, ducks
and turkeys.
C. DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS3
The demographic characteristics in Bawku West District include large household
sizes, high illiteracy rates, that is, about 80 percent in the southern part of the
district, high birth and fertility rates.
1) Age and Sex Distribution of Population
The district has a total usual resident population of 38,034 in 2000 according to
the 2000 Population and Housing Census and this represents 24 percent increase
over the 1984 Census figure of 66,973. The population of the district is 9.0
percent of the total population of the Upper East Region and this is about 0.3
percent increase over the 1984 Census figure.
3 MOFA Website
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Definition of Disability
1. GHANAIAN PERSPECTIVE4
a. Government definition
Disability means a person has a problem with a part of the
body or mind.
b. Societal classification
A person who is deformed as a punishment from the god or
from his /her own misdeeds or for the misdeeds of his /her
families.
PWD in Ghana are identified by their disabilities and not by
their name.
PWDS are disgrace/stigma to families
PWDS cannot do anything (liabilities)
PWDS are objects of scorn and pity
2. UN CONVENTION ON THE RIGHTS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
The Convention adopts a social model of disability, and defines disability as
including:
those who have long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory
impairments which in interaction with various barriers may hinder their full
and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.
4 Rehabilitation Centre – Kumasi, Department of Social Welfare
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Development Context
Disability is a critical human rights
issue. Each person is entitled to
quality of life. It is estimated
approximately six hundred million
persons with disabilities live in
developing world. By World Bank
statistics almost 3.5 billion people
are directly affected by having a
family member who has a disability.
It is then the responsibility of
nations to highlight in their Social Development Agenda the challenge of
extending persons with disabilities what is due to them as human beings.5
The 2002 Ghana Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS) identifies inadequate and
ineffective safety nets in health, education and welfare provision as a key cause of
poverty. Persons with disabilities are among the poorest and most vulnerable in
Ghana due to the combination of lack of safety net provision together with
prevailing negative social and cultural behaviors. Stigma, discrimination and lack
of economic opportunities also make them more susceptible to HIV infection and
vulnerable to the impact of HIV and AIDS. 6
The government of Ghana has articulated its acceptance of social responsibility for
persons with disabilities by enshrining in the Constitution a provision...” that
persons with disabilities shall be protected against exploitation, all regulations and
all treatment of discrimination, abusive and degrading nature.” Practical reflection
of the government of Ghana‟s commitment is expressed in the National Disability
Policy, which outline its mission as:7
5 VSO Ghana Disability Programme Area Plan
6 VSO Ghana Disability Programme Area Plan
7 VSO Ghana Disability Programme Area Plan
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1. To enact appropriate legislation, and make functional existing ones, to
promote full integration of persons with disabilities into the national
economy and to protect their rights as citizens of Ghana as defined by
the Standard Rules of the Equalization for Person with Disability;
2. To create an enabling environment for person with disabilities to
promote their economic well being and enhance their capacity to
perform better to improve their socio-economic status; and
3. To create awareness of the plight of persons with disabilities and to
improve national support (including the use of local resources) to
promote their welfare.
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CHAPTER 2
Policies, legislations and legal framework of Ghana in
mainstreaming Persons with Disabilities
Chapter 2 presented the policies, legislations and legal framework of Ghana in
mainstreaming disability.
Legal framework of mainstreaming disability in Ghana: PERSONS WITH DISABILITY ACT 715, 2006
A. Disability Policies in Ghana
The 1992 Constitution guarantees certain basic rights for PWDs. These include the
right to live with their families or with foster parents and to participate in social,
creative or recreational activities and the right not to be subjected to differential
treatment in respect of their residence other than that required by their condition
or by the improvement which they may derive from the treatment. PWDs are also
guaranteed protection against all exploitation and treatment of a discriminatory,
abusive or degrading nature. In addition, every place to which the public have
access shall as far as practicable have appropriate facilities for PWDs. Provision is
also made for special incentives to be given to PWDs engaged in business and
also to business organizations that employ PWDs in significant numbers. To give
effect to these rights of PWDs, the Constitution further mandates Parliament to
enact such laws as are necessary to ensure their enforcement. Thus far, the
Persons with Disability Act 715 remain the main enactment in this regard.8
8 VSO, Attitudes towards Disability in Ghana 2009, p.24-25.
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B. The Disability Act
The process of developing a
policy on disability has been
long and tedious. Cabinet
passed the National Disability
Policy Document in December
2000. The Disability Act was
finally passed in June 2006.
The Disability Act guarantees
PWDs access to public places,
free general and specialist
medical care, education, employment and transportation (see table 5 for the main
objectives of the Act). It also regulates the commitments and other
responsibilities of public and private service providers. The transitional period of
the Act makes provision for a 10-year moratorium for compliance with the
provisions on access and mobility because of the substantial investment needed
to make all existing public infrastructure disability-friendly.
The Act established the National Council on Persons with Disability with the goal
of proposing and evolving policies and strategies to enable PWDs to enter and
participate in the mainstream of the national development process of Ghana. The
official inauguration of the Council has taken place on 7 April 2009. The Council is
made up of high-ranking representatives from a number of key ministries as well
as from OPWDs and organizations or institutions working for PWDs. The Council
will coordinate overall disability related activities in Ghana and function as advisor
to the government on disability issues. The council will also act as a watchdog and
monitor the implementation of the Disability Act.
13
Public knowledge of the Disability Act is low, even among PWDs themselves. This
makes it hard for them to make use of the provisions under the Act. According to
CDD, both government and OPWDs should raise awareness of the Act.
Table 1. Objectives of the Disability Act9
To educate Ghanaians on the rights, potentials and responsibilities of
both society and PWDs
To generate and disseminate relevant information on disability
To create an enabling environment for the full participation of PWDs in
national development
To ensure access of PWDs to education and training at all levels
To facilitate the employment of PWDs in all sectors of the economy
To promote disability friendly roads, transport, and housing facilities
To ensure access of PWDs to effective health care and adequate
medical rehabilitation services
To ensure that women with disabilities enjoy the same rights and
privileges as their male counterparts
To ensure that law enforcement personnel in cases of arrest, detention,
trial and confinement of PWDs take into account the nature of their
disabilities
To encourage full participation of PWDs in cultural activities
To ensure access of PWDs to the same opportunities in recreational
activities and sports as other citizens
To promote CBR programmes as a means of empowering and ensuring
the full participation of PWDs in society
9 Attitudes Towards Persons with Disabilities in Ghana
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CHAPTER 3
Findings of the study
Chapter 3 explores on the findings of the different conditions of persons with
disabilities (PWDs) in areas of Binaba, Gbantongo, Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore,
Sapeliga, Tanga, Teshie, Tilli, Timonde, Widnaba, Zebilla and Zongoyire.
The chapter identified nature, causes, status, health, family conditions of PWDs.
Likewise, the discussion also uncovers their socio-economic and demographic
characteristics, their experience and most of all, the effect of disability in their
daily life as housewives, husband, children, individuals and their relationships with
their respective spouses, family members and community. Furthermore, it also
present notion of community about their viewed towards PWDs.
I. Personal Characteristics
A total of 795 PWDs interviewed from the eleven (11) zones of Bawku West
District viz. Binaba (4.4%), Gbantongo (8.1%), Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore (10.7%),
Sapeliga/Googo (16.4%), Tanga (5.9%), Teshie (10.7%), Tilli (3.8%), Timonde
(6.3%), Widnaba (8.8%), Zebilla (2.3%) and Zongoyire (22.8%). Among the
respondents, 57% are female and 43% are males.
Table 2. Zone Composition and Sex Distribution
SEX COMMUNITY ZONES TOTAL
Binaba Gbanto
ngo
Saka/
Yikurugu/
Kobore
Sapeliga/
Googo
Tanga Teshie Tilli Timonde Widnaba Zebilla Zongoyire
Female 16 31 59 76 26 45 21 28 39 8 104 453
Male 19 33 26 54 21 40 9 22 31 10 77 342
GENERAL
TOTAL
35
(4.4%)
64
(8.1%)
85
(10.7%)
130
(16.4%)
47
(5.9%)
85
(10.7%)
30
(3.8%)
50
(6.3%)
70
(8.8%)
18
(2.3%)
181
(22.8%)
795
(100%)
15
Marital Status
Fifty seven percent of PWDs are married, 17.6% are single while 1.1% is
divorced. The widowed is 24.3% which were noted in 11 zones. Analyzed by sex,
widowed women (19.5%) are higher than widowed men (5.2%).
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%
30.0%
Single Married Widowed Divorced
Female 8.9% 28.4% 19.1% 0.5%
Male 8.7% 28.6% 5.2% 0.6%
Marital Status of PWDs
Figure 1. Percentage according to marital status by Sex
16
Religious Affiliation
Three main religious groupings of PWDs found in the district are: Traditional
(51.9%), Christian (26.4%) and Islam (14.1%). Zongoyire has the highest
proportion of Traditionalists (17.2%) followed by the Teshie, Sapeliga/ Googo
zones (6.7%). The lowest proportion of Traditional followers is in Tilli (0%) where
Christianity is the predominate religion (2.3%). Other respondents had no
answers (7.5%).
Given the strong traditional culture in Bawku West, analysis showed that some
respondents, when seeking treatment, give primary importance to the role of
ancestors and local divinities with (1.9%) seeking traditional treatment for their
disabilities. Different culture view disability quite differently and that affects the
way the PWDs see themselves and their hope for treatment.
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%
Christian
Muslim
Traditionalist
No response
Christian Muslim Traditionalist No response
Female 15.8% 8.7% 27.8% 4.7%
Male 10.6% 5.4% 24.2% 2.9%
Figure 2. Percentage according to religious affiliation
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Table 4. RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION OF PWDs
Percentage of PWDs according to religious affiliation by sex and area,
Bawku West District, 2011
Christian Muslim Traditionalist No response Total
Sex
Male 10.3% 5.7% 23.5% 3.5% 43.00%
Female 15.3% 8.7% 26.2% 6.8% 57.00%
Zone
Binaba 2.1% - 2.3% - 4.4% Gbantongo 2.8% 0.1% 5.0% 0.1% 8.0%
Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore 2.6% 3.4% 4.3% 0.4% 10.7%
Sapeliga/Googo 2.3% 6.8% 6.7% 0.6% 16.4%
Tanga 2.5% 0.6% 0.9% 1.9% 5.9%
Teshie 3.3% 0.5% 6.7% 0.3% 10.8%
Tilli 2.3% 0.4% - 1.1% 3.8%
Timonde 1.4% 0.4% 4.5% - 6.3%
Widnaba 3.9% 0.3% 4.3% 0.4% 8.9%
Zebilla 1.1% 0.9% 0.1% 0.1% 2.2%
Zongoyire 2.1% 0.8% 17.2% 2.6% 22.7%
Area
Village 25.3% 13.3% 51.9% 7.4% 97.9% Town 1.1% 0.9% 0.1% 0.1% 2.2% Age
5-15 y/o 1.6% 0.5% 1.8% 0.4% 4.3%
16-25 y/o 3.9% 1.4% 1.6% 0.5% 7.4%
26-35 y/o 3.9% 0.6% 2.1% 1.0% 7.6%
36-45 y/o 2.4% 1.0% 3.6% 2.6% 9.6% 46-55 y/o 2.8% 2.5% 6.0% 2.5% 13.8% 56-65 y/0 4.5% 3.3% 11.4% 0.0% 19.2%
66-75 y/o 3.8% 3.0% 12.3% 1.8% 20.9%
76-85 y/o 2.1% 1.6% 8.9% 1.1% 13.7%
86-98 y/o 0.6% 0.4% 1.1% 1.0% 3.1%
Education
None 23.3% 13.7% 48.3% 10.7% 96.0%
Primary 1.4% 0.3% 0.6% 0.3% 2.6%
JHS 0.3% 0.1% 0.1% - 0.5% SHS 0.5% 0.1% - - 0.6%
Vocational/ College 0.3% 0.1% - - 0.4%
General Total 25.7% 14.3% 49.7% 10.3% 100.0%
18
Figure 6. Percentage according to registration status of PWDs in Department of Social Welfare
Registration Status
Data showed that 75% of persons with disabilities are not registered with the
Department of Social Welfare. Only 24% of them are registered while the
remaining 1.0% has no response.
Part of the study is registration of persons with disabilities living in Bawku West.
The objectives of the Department of Social Welfare is to update the list of PWDs
and to harmonize the database at the district, regional and national level.
Registration of PWDs will serve as a guide and reference for the local government
and health units in planning and implementing services for treatment,
rehabilitation, disability prevention, employment and other measures for
integrating the PWDs into the mainstream of society. This move is meant to
synchronize the information and establish a unified database of information about
PWDs and enable monitoring and evaluation.
Registered Not Registered No answer
13.7%
42.9%
0.4%
7.4%
35.3%
0.3%
PWDs' Registration Status
Female Male
19
II. Socio-economic conditions
Current Schooling Status and Educational Attainment
Among the persons with disability, 93.5% were unable to attend school; 4.0%
had studied up to Primary level; 1.0% up to junior high school; 0.9% studied up
to senior high school; and 0.6% had undergone special training, vocational and
university standard.
4.0% 1.0% 0.9% 0.6%
93.5%
Primary Junior High Senior High Vocational, University
None
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Educational Attainment
Figure 3. Percentage according to educational status and attainment
20
Figure 4. Percentage according to education level by sex
Of the respondents, 2.3% of them were students. Of them 3.1% were studying in
the primary; 0.3% in junior high school and 0.2% in senior high school. 0.5% is
out-of-school.
Analyzed by sex, educational status revealed that more than half of illiterate
PWDs are female (55.1%). In both sexes, males had more number whilst of
educations than female from primary to vocational and university study.
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%
Primary
Junior High
Senior High
Voc, Univ.
None
Primary Junior High Senior High Voc, Univ. None
Male 2.5% 0.9% 0.8% 0.5% 38.4%
Female 1.5% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 55.1%
Educational Level by Sex
21
Figure 5. Percentage of PWDs who have desire to return to formal school
Those who had not undergone any formal studies or had discontinued their
education were asked to state the reason for doing so. Twenty two percent cited
economic reasons including their disability; 7.2 % said their disability was the
preventing factor; and 54.7% because the school is not common during their
time. This factor is universal for those aged from 56 to 98 years old. Among other
reasons cited were lack of transportation and lack of interest on the part of their
parents.
When asked whether they would continue if they could receive assistance, 2.0%
of respondents were willing to re-start their education while 98% do not want to
go back to school due to old age and disability. Only 0.2% preferred to undergo
special training that can be used for employment or livelihood opportunities.
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
Want re-start their education Do not want to go back to school
Female 0.6% 56.4%
Male 1.4% 41.6%
Desire to Return to Formal School
22
Table 5. Educational attainment, status and reason of discontinuation and inability to attend school
Percentage of PWDs according to educational attainment, status and discontinuation and inability to attend school, Bawku West District, 2011
EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT
Primary Junior High
Senior High
Vocational/ University
No Education
Educational Status
Reason of discontinuation and inability to attend school
In-school
Ou-of-school
Due to Disability
Due to economic
and disability
School is not
common
Sex
Male 2.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 41.0% 2.0% 0.0% 4.0% 9.0% 22.0%
Female 1.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 55.0% 1.0% 0.0% 4.0% 14.0% 33.0%
Zone
Binaba - - - - 4.0% 1.0% - - 2.0% 2.0%
Gbantongo - - - - 8.0% - - - 1.0% 0.0%
Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore
- - - - 10.0% - - 1.0% 2.0% 7.0%
Sapeliga/Googo
- - - - 16.0% - - - 4.0% 12.0%
Tanga - - - - 6.0% - - 1.0% 1.0% 2.0%
Teshie 1.0% - - - 10.0% 1.0% - 1.0% 4.0% 5.0%
Tilli - - - - 4.0% - - - 1.0% 2.0%
Timonde - - - - 6.0% - - 1.0% 2.0% 4.0%
Widnaba - - - - 9.0% - - - 2.0% 6.0%
Zebilla - - - - 2.0% - - - 2.0% 0.0%
Zongoyire - - - - 22.0% - - 2.0% 4.0% 15.0%
Area
Village - - - - 2.0% - - - 2.0% -
Town 2.0% - - 1.0% 95.0% 3.0% - 7.0% 21.0% 57.0%
Age
5-15 y/o 1.0% - - - 3.0% 1.0% - 3.0% - -
16-25 y/o 1.0% - - - 3.0% 2.0% - 3.0% - -
26-35 y/o - - - - 5.0% - - - 5.0% -
36-45 y/o - - - - 6.0% - - - 6.0% -
46-55 y/o - - - - 11.0% - - - 11.0% -
56-65 y/0 - - - - 20.0% - - - 0.0% 20.0%
66-75 y/o - - - - 20.0% - - - 0.0% 20.0%
76-85 y/o - - - - 13.0% - - - 0.0% 13.0%
86-98 y/o - - - - 2.0% - - - 0.0% 2.0%
General Total
3.0% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 96.0% 3.0% 0.0% 8.0% 23.0% 55.0%
23
Figure 7. Percentage according to occupation and sex distribution
Occupation, Employment and Labor Market for Persons with Disabilities
As far as occupation was concerned, 97.7% of persons with disabilities in Bawku
West District are engaged in agricultural activities; 0.4% are are self-employed;
0.1% are employed; and 6.8% are unemployed or unable to work due to the
effect o their disability. Analyzed by sex, shows that the percentages of female
respondents who are engaged in farming (53.7%) and other work (0.5%) is
higher than of males (39.0%). Further, self employed respondents are involved in
petty trading such as selling of consumable and leather goods and mobile phone
credits while the one employed person is a seamstress.
In the Bawku West case, a majority of respondents have a preference to receive
skills training such as soap making, computer skills training, leather making, and
chair and furniture making for economic or livelihood opportunities. At the same
time some are capable of working in the professional or vocational sector or
teaching.
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%
Farming
Self-employed
Employed
Unable to work
Farming Self-employed Employed Unable to work
Male 39.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.0%
Female 53.7% 0.4% 0.1% 2.8%
Occupation of PWDs
24
In Article 13 of the Persons with
Disability Act 715, it is stated that
appropriate training for the
unemployed person with disability
shall be provided. Where the
name of a person with disability
remains on a job search list for
more than two years, the Ministry
shall take the name of that person
off the list, and where applicable:
a. give that person appropriate training;
b. provide that person with necessary working tools and materials; and
c. assist that person to access loan capital to start a business.
This implies that, though various welfare schemes are designed to provide
employment or self-employment for persons with disabilities, these schemes have
not yet reached the PWDs in most areas, particularly the village zones.
Labor Market for PWDs10
Previously, a quota system was in effect so that employers with a certain number
of employees were obliged to have a percentage of PWDs employed. However, the
system was poorly monitored and has been dropped. In the public sector,
according to an administrative directive, PWDs employed are entitled to a
disability allowance of 48 cedis (less than 50 USD) every 3 months. The allowance
was previously paid out of the monthly payroll by the national government but
since this practice has been decentralized, the institutions where PWDs are
employed are responsible for paying the allowance. This is the case only if the
budgets are not exhausted, which means that, in reality, very few receive the
allowance, because the earmarked funds are used for other purposes. In general,
few PWDs are aware of their rights as employees and few use the policies and
systems in place to assist them.
10
Ghana Federation of Disabled Website
25
Alexander Tetteh who is the National Administrator of Ghana Society of the
Physically Disabled conducted a study focused on the employment challenges
faced by persons with disabilities in Ghana. The findings revealed that national
legislation focuses inadequately on people with disabilities.
The study revealed that, as a consequence of their disability, disabled persons
have a reduced capability of activity that causes many difficulties to life, work and
studies. The impact of disability on life activities may be different and depends
upon the specific context such as the environment -urban or rural - and type of
country- developed or less developed - and cultural/societal norms relating to
people with disabilities. The employment rate of persons with disability tends to
be considerably lower than that of non-disabled people in Ghana, as in most
countries, regardless of the overall employment rate. 11
Social barriers are another factor encountered by persons with disability in Ghana.
This includes issues of stereotyping and preconceived notions of other colleagues
regarding their abilities.
11
Alex Tetteh, Employment Challenges faced by Persons with Disabilities in Ghana
26
Housing Conditions and Facilities
I. Housing Condition
Most of the respondents (92.3%)) own their houses while other respondents are
living with their families (7.3%). Most of which them are children and youth with
disabilities. In Tanga and Zongoyire the study noted respondents who have no
home (0.4%). Most dwellings (99.6%) are constructed in a compound structure
because most of the families are extended in nature (Please refer to Figure 8.
Household Living Arrangements).
Figure 12. Percentage according to housing condition
Table 11. Summary of Household Population of Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in Three GREAT Areas
Owned Live with family No permanent home
Female 54.7% 2.1% 0.1%
Male 37.6% 5.2% 0.3%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
Housing Condition
27
I. Sources of Potable and Domestic Water
Water supply for most respondents came from a borehole (98.9%) while the
remaining (1.1%) get water from waterworks. Most of the respondents are using
other sources of water such as rain. Wells is the other supply of potable water
including water for domestic use. Some households have two or more sources of
water.
Borehole
Water System
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%
Borehole Water System
Male 42.5% 0.5%
Female 56.4% 0.6%
Source of Water
Figure 13. Percentage according to sources of potable and domestic water
28
II. Source of Power in the Household
Ninety-seven percent of respondents from all zones have no electricity
connections while other three percent have electrical power in their households.
Electricity None
2.5%
97.5%
Source of Power
Figure 14. Percentage according to source of power in the households
29
III. Garbage Disposal
It was identified that a majority of respondents (97.7%) are disposing garbage
through burning. Respondents living in town practiced putting garbage in a
cellophane (garbage bag) and throwing them in a vacant lot (2.3%).
97.7%
2.3%
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0% 120.0%
Burning
Thrown in a vacant lot
Garbage Disposal System
Figure 15. Percentage according to garbage disposal system
Table 11. Summary of Household Population of Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in Three GREAT Areas
30
Table 10. Household condition of PWDs according structure, relation to dwelling and source of income
Percentage of PWDs according to household structure, relation to dwelling and source of income, Bawku West District, 2011
Household Structure Household Description Household Primary Source of Income Household Estimated Income per Month
Percentage of nuclear family
Percentage of
extended family
Total Owned Live with
family
No permanent
house
Total Farming Self employment
Employed
Unable to
Work/ Not
working
Total GHc 10-
30.00
GHc 40-
60.00
GHc 70-
100.00
GHc 101.00
up
No Incom
e
Total
Sex
Male 0.9% 42.1% 43.0% 37.9% 5.0% 0.2% 43.1% 38.9% 0.0% 0.1% 2.8% 41.8% 53.1% 0.8% 0.3% 0.0% 2.8%
57.0%
Female 2.5% 54.5% 57.0% 54.7% 2.1% 0.1% 56.9% 53.7% 0.4% 0.1% 4.0% 58.2% 37.3% 1.0% 0.4% 0.3% 4.0%
43.0%
Zone
Binaba 0.0% 4.4% 4.4% 2.4% 2.0% 0.0% 4.4% 3.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.5% 4.4% 3.9% - - - 0.5% 4.4%
Gbantongo 0.0% 8.1% 8.1% 7.8% 0.3% 0.0% 8.1% 8.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 8.1% 8.1% - - - - 8.1%
Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore
1.1% 9.6% 10.7% 10.2% 1.0% 0.0% 11.2% 10.6% 0.1% 0.0% 0.0% 10.7% 10.4%
-
0.1% 0.2%
- 10.7%
Sapeliga/Googo
0.0% 16.4% 16.4% 15.7% 1.0% 0.0% 16.7% 16.1% 0.0% 0.0% 0.3% 16.4% 16.1%
- - - 0.3%
16.4%
Tanga 0.3% 5.7% 5.9% 5.8% 0.0% 0.1% 5.9% 5.9% - 0.0% 0.0% 5.9% 5.9% - - - - 5.9%
Teshie 0.0% 10.7% 10.7% 10.7% 0.0% 0.0% 10.7% 10.6% - 0.0% 0.1% 10.7% 10.6%
- - - 0.1%
10.7%
Tilli 0.9% 2.9% 3.8% 3.5% 0.3% 0.0% 3.8% 3.3% 0.3% 0.0% 0.3% 3.8% 3.5% - - - 0.3% 3.8%
Timonde 0.0% 6.3% 6.3% 5.8% 1.0% 0.0% 6.8% 6.3% - 0.0% 0.0% 6.3% 6.3% - - - - 6.3%
Widnaba 0.4% 8.4% 8.8% 7.4% 1.4% 0.0% 8.8% 7.3% - 0.1% 1.4% 8.8% 7.2% - 0.1% 0.1% 1.4% 8.8%
Zebilla 0.8% 1.5% 2.3% 2.3% 0.0% 0.0% 2.3% 1.3% - 0.0% 1.0% 2.3% 1.0% 0.2% - 0.1% 1.0% 2.3%
Zongoyire 0.0% 22.8% 22.8% 20.8% 2.0% 0.2% 23.0% 19.4% - 0.1% 3.3% 22.8% 9.5% 6.2% 3.3% - 3.3% 22.3%
Area
Village 2.4% 95.1% 91.8% 84.3% 9.0% 0.2% 93.5% 85.4% 0.4% 0.2% 5.8% 91.8% 64.6%
16.5% 3.5% 0.3% 6.9%
91.8%
Town 0.8% 1.5% 2.3% 2.3% 0.0% 0.0% 2.3% 1.3% 0.0% 0.0% 1.0% 2.3% 2.2% - - 0.1% 2.3%
Age
5-15 y/o - 4.3% 4.3% 4.2% 0.1% 4.3% 3.9% - 0.4% 4.3% 3.2% - 1.1% 4.3%
16-25 y/o 0.5% 6.9% 7.4% 7.3% 0.1% 7.4% 6.9% - 0.1% 0.5% 7.5% 6.4% 1.0% 7.4%
31
Household Structure Household Description Household Primary Source of Income Household Estimated Income per Month
Percentage of nuclear family
Percentage of
extended family
Total Owned Live with
family
No permanent
house
Total Farming Self employment
Employed
Unable to
Work/ Not
working
Total GHc 10-
30.00
GHc 40-
60.00
GHc 70-
100.00
GHc 101.00
up
No Incom
e
Total
26-35 y/o 1.0% 6.7% 7.7% 7.6% 0.2% - 7.8% 7.4% - - 0.3% 7.7% 7.0% - - 0.7% - 7.7%
36-45 y/o 9.7% 9.7% 9.7% 0.2% - 9.9% 9.1% - - 0.6% 9.7% 3.0% 5.6% - 1.1% - 9.7%
46-55 y/o 0.2% 13.7% 13.9% 13.1% 0.3% 13.4% 13.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.5% 13.9% 4.4% 6.7% 1.2% 1.2% 0.4% 13.9%
56-65 y/0 - 19.2% 19.2% 19.1% 0.2% 0.1% 19.4% 17.5% 0.3% - 1.7% 19.5% 14.6%
1.6% 2.1% 0.3% 0.5%
19.1%
66-75 y/o - 20.9% 20.9% 20.3% 0.5% 0.1% 20.9% 18.7% - - 2.2% 20.9% 18.3%
0.7% 0.5% 0.2% 1.2%
20.9%
76-85 y/o - 13.8% 13.8% 13.4% 0.1% - 13.5% 12.7% - - 0.7% 13.4% 11.1%
0.6% - - 2.1%
13.8%
86-98 y/o - 3.1% 3.1% 3.2% 0.2% - 3.4% 2.6% - - 0.5% 3.1% 2.1% 0.3% - - 0.7% 3.1%
Education
None 0.5% 93.0% 93.5% 90.1% 3.1% 0.3% 93.5% 86.5% - - 7.0% 93.5% 68.7%
16.1% 2.2% - 6.5%
93.5%
Primary 1.8% 2.2% 4.0% 3.7% 0.3% - 4.0% 3.2% 0.3% 0.1% 0.4% 4.0% 2.1% 0.2% 1.3% - 0.4% 4.0%
JHS 0.5% 0.5% 1.0% 0.6% 0.4% - 1.0% 1.0% - - - 1.0% 0.8% 0.2% - - - 1.0%
SHS 0.5% 0.4% 0.9% 0.8% 0.1% - 0.9% 0.8% 0.1% - - 0.9% 0.8% - - 0.1% - 0.9%
Vocational/ College
0.2% 0.4% 0.6% 0.6% - - 0.6% 0.5% - 0.1% - 0.6% 0.3% - -
0.3%
- 0.6%
General Total
3.4% 96.6% 100.0%
92.6% 7.1% 0.3% 100.0%
92.6% 0.4% 0.2% 6.8% 100.0%
90.4%
1.8% 0.7% 0.3% 6.8% 100.0%
32
Properties/ Materials Owned
I. Appliances/ Consumer Durables
Among the respondents, only 8.1% owned appliances or consumer durables
while the remaining 91.9% have none of these devices. This is likely due to the
fact that almost all PWDs are economically marginalized.
Table 6 shows the top five appliances owned by PWDs from eleven (11) zones of
Bawku West District. (Note: respondents have multiple responses when a PWD
owns more than one appliance)
8.1%
91.9%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
100.0%
Yes No
Appliances/ Consumer Durables Ownership
Figure 9. Percentage of PWDs owned appliances/ consumer durables
33
Figure 10. Percentage of Livestock/ Poultry Raised/ Owned by PWDs including other household
II. Livestock/Poultry Raised
Most of the respondents (75.5%) have no livestock or poultry to rear. Of the
remaining respondents, 23.8% raised livestock and poultry. Most of the animals
being reared are present in the eleven (11) zones of the study, except horse,
sheep and donkey which were not mentioned in Gbantongo, Sapeliga/ Googo,
Tanga, Teshie, Tilli, Widnaba and Zongoyire.
Table 7 highlights the type of livestock/poultry raised in their backyards. (Note:
respondents have multiple responses, indicating tht a PWD raised more than one
livestock/ poultry)
Yes 24%
None 76%
Don’t know 0%
Livestock Raised/ Owned
Appliances # of Respondents
Female Male Total
1. Radio/ Cassette 16 18 34
2. Cell phone 1 5 6
3. Television 2 2 4
4. Electric fan 2 2
5. Refrigerator 1 1 2
Table 6 . Top five (5) appliances owned by PWDs
34
This indicates that fowl, goat and guinea fowl are most preferred to raise by the
persons with disabilities because: (1) they are cheaper in terms of buying price;
and (2) their size makes them relatively easier in terms of management
practices.
III. Crops Produced
All of the crops enumerated below (Table 8) are produced in the eleven (11)
zones. Sapeliga/ Googo have a higher percentage of PWDs who produce
maize (3.7%) while majority of respondents from Timonde produced millet
(6%). For other crops, respondents did not specify what types of other crops
they produced, while in Sapeliga/ Googo, Teshie, Tilli and Zongoyire,
respondents identified fruit trees (0.6%) , soy beans (0.2%) and vegetables
(0.1%).
Type of Livestock # of Respondents
Female Male Total
1. Fowl 61 56 117
2. Goat 29 25 54
3. Guinea Fowl 8 13 21
4. Cow 3 7 10
5. Donkey 1 5 6
6. Sheep 3 3
7. Horse 1 1
SEX STATUS TOTAL (%) Kind of Crop No
crop Don't know Maize Millet Rice Groundnut Soybean Vegetable Tree
Female 10.9% 7.9% 2.4% 0.6% 0.0% 0.0% 0.3% 32.1% 0.1% 54.3%
Male 10.0% 11.6% 2.5% 0.6% 0.2% 0.1% 0.2% 20.3% 0.2% 45.7%
GENERAL TOTAL
20.8% 19.4% 5.0% 1.2% 0.2% 0.1% 0.6% 52.3% 0.3% 100.0%
Table 7. Total of PWDs raised/ owned livestock/poultry
Table 8. Percentage according to crops produced by PWDs and other households
35
IV. Vehicles
A majority of PWDs, including their households, use their feet for mobility. There
are a few who own bicycles (7.2%) and motorcycles (0.1%). In
Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore and Widnaba respondents were identified owning both
bicycle and motorcycle (2.8%) as a means of transportation. Tricycle (0.3%) is
also noted as being used in Zebilla.
Table 9. Vehicles own/use by PWDs
SEX TRANSPORTATION MEANS TOTAL
Mode Walking
Bicycle Motorcycle Tricycle Bicycle and Motorcycle
Female 4.0% 0.1% 0.1% 1.4% 51.3% 57.0%
Male 3.1% 0.0% 0.1% 1.4% 38.4% 43.0%
GENERAL TOTAL
7.2% 0.1% 0.3% 2.8% 89.7% 100.0%
36
V. Land Ownership
Eighty percent of PWD respondents do not own any land property. It is
predominant in all zones particularly respondents from Zongoyire and Sapeliga/
Googo. Less than a hectare is owned by 1.4% of the respondents in Sapeliga/
Googo, Teshie, Timonde, Zebilla and Zongoyire. Owning 1-2 hectares (12.2%)
and 3-5 hectares (3.9%) is more is common in all zones. Owning more than five
hectares (2.0%) was identified only in Zongoyire.
1% 12%
4%
2%
1%
80%
Land owned by PWDs according to size
Less than 1 hectare
1-2 hectare
3-5 hectare
More than 5 hectare
Yes only
Don’t own land
Figure 11. Percentage according to land owned by PWDs by size
37
Table 3. Percentage according to age distribution by sex
III. Socio-demographic conditions
Age Group Distribution
Most of respondents (60.4%) belong to the Productive Working Group age (15-
65 years old). Respectively, the communities from 11 zones of Bawku West have
this age group. The remaining PWD respondents (37.9%) are 66 – 100 years old
and (1.8%) are 5-10 years of age.
Age/ Years Female
%
Male
%
Total
%
5-10 0.6% 1.1% 1.8%
11-15 1.1% 1.4% 2.5%
16-20 2.5% 2.5% 5.0%
21-25 0.8% 1.6% 2.4%
26-30 1.6% 1.4% 3.0%
31-35 2.6% 2.0% 4.7%
36-40 2.9% 2.3% 5.2%
41-45 1.9% 2.6% 4.5%
46-50 4.9% 2.1% 7.0%
51-55 3.9% 2.9% 6.8%
56-60 5.2% 3.3% 8.4%
61-65 6.9% 3.9% 10.8%
66-70 6.5% 3.3% 9.8%
71-75 6.2% 4.9% 11.1%
76-80 5.8% 4.4% 10.2%
81-85 2.1% 1.5% 3.6%
86-90 1.3% 1.4% 2.6%
91-95 0.0% 0.4% 0.4%
96-100 0.1% 0.0% 0.1%
TOTAL %
according to Sex
57.0% 43.0% 100.0%
38
Figure 8. Percentage according to living arrangements
Household Living Arrangements
In the population studied, almost ninety-seven percent of respondents live in
homes where the common household kitchen arrangement is designed for
extended families. Only 3.4% of families studied have a nuclear structure,
composed only of the immediate family.
0.0% 10.0% 20.0% 30.0% 40.0% 50.0% 60.0%
Extended
Nuclear
Extended Nuclear
Male 42.1% 0.9%
Female 54.5% 2.5%
Household Living Arrangements
39
Family members who left abroad
The data shows that 99% of respondents do not have relatives abroad while the
remaining 1.0% of respondents had family members (2 males and 8 females)
who have left for work abroad. Destinations are not clear to the respondents
due to long time separation with these relatives and others are not close to
them. One among the respondent identified that her family member is now in
U.S.A. to pursue further study.
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
Yes No
Female 1.0% 56.0%
Male 0.3% 42.8%
PWDs who have Family Members Left for Abroad
Figure 16. Percentage of PWDs who have family members abroad
40
Figure 17. Percentage according to organizational affiliation
IV. Organizational Affiliation
The numbers of persons with disability involved in community projects and social
groups are also a reflection of the degree of awareness and community support.
In the case of Bawku West, 98.7% of the total PWD respondents are not
affiliated with any organization. Only 1.3% of PWDs were engage in community
groups.
Among those persons with disability who never involve themselves in social
activities, the majority stated their disability as the reason; some of them
mentioned it is due to lack of awareness and a few attributed it to their age,
particularly children and the elderly. This would suggest that it would help large
numbers of respondents if they were more involved and felt accepted in
community and social assemblies, so they do not feel they must live isolated
from social activities.
Yes None
Female 0.4% 56.6%
Male 0.9% 42.1%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
Organizational Affiliation
41
On the level of those who are involved in organizations, 1.2% of them are
regular members, while 0.1% actively participate as an officer with the position
as Secretary.
Benefits/Assistance Received by the Members of Organizations
On benefits acquired during
membership from organization,
0.3% of total respondents have
gained knowledge, skills on
training in areas such as soap
making and HIV and AIDs. There
are members who gained more
confidence in themselves
particularly through dealing with
different people during their
membership.
Given the statistics, small numbers of PWDs are able to access skills training for
their personal development.
Number of Years in the Organization
Among the respondents, only 0.2% of PWDs remember the length of their
membership with their organization. Both of them are female. The remaining
PWDs who have affiliation have difficulty in recalling the years of their
membership. This indicates: (1) most of them are not active. This may be due of
their disability or health condition; and/ or (2) the organization is not actively
operating.
42
V. Nature, Cause and Treatment of Disabilities
I. Causes of disability
As regards the cause of disability, respondents responses were:
Diseases, mentioned by 32.1%. Awareness about what kind of diseases can
cause disability is low and therefore prevention is also limited.
Accidents, mentioned by 13.0%.
Disability at birth, mentioned by 7.4%
Due to old age, mentioned by 0.9%
Spiritual attack, mentioned by 2.0%. (see chameleon and placed inside the
tree), The majority of respondents who believed in spiritual causes have a
low level of education.
Most respondents with a disability are not aware of the cause of their own
disability (44.6%). Of these, 0.8% of them developed disability during
childhood.
II. Treatment
Many respondents think treatment of disability is not possible, although many
mentioned medical intervention (62.3%). Some of them sought treatment from
traditional healers (1.9%). The remaining 35.8% have never undergone any
treatment.
Analyzed by sex, the percentage of female (35.8%) who sought treatment was
slightly higher than male (28.3%). Among 1.9% of respondents who sought
traditional treatment, males (1.3%) were higher than females (0.6%).
Among those who sought tradition treatment, the reasons given included lack of
medical access, inability to pay and overall lack of knowledge.
43
III. Nature of disability
The categories of disabled persons identified are:
1. Visually Impaired
2. Hearing Impaired
3. Orthopedically handicapped
4. Leprosy Deformity
5. Deafness
6. Epilepsy
7. Mental Illness/ Mental
Retardation
Visual and hearing impairments and observable physical disabilities are clearly
recognized as disabilities. But respondents have limited knowledge about
intellectual disabilities and mental illnesses and their different characteristics.
Analyzed by sex, females with disabilities (57%) outnumber males (43%) with
disabilities.
44
Table 12. Nature, Causes and Treatment of Disabilities of PWDs
Percentage of PWDs according to nature, causes and treatment of disabilities, Bawku West District, 2011
Nature of Disability Cause of Disability Treatment
Visually
Impaired
Hearing
Impaired
Deaf Orthopedically Handicapped
Mental
Illness
Leprosy Deformity
Epilepsy
Difficulty in
Moving,
Weakness, Stiffne
ss
Others Total Disability of Birth
Disability due to
accident
Disability due to
sickness
Disability
due to old age
Traditional Belief
(e.g. witchcraft, leaving
the person
under the
tree, etc.)
Don’t Know
Other cause/s
Total Hospital (Medical) Treatment related
to disability
Traditional
(Indigenous)
Treatment
No Treatm
ent
Total
Sex
Male 29.7% 4.0% 1.0% 5.7% 0.3% 0.4% 1.1% 0.1% 0.7% 43.0% 3.8% 6.4% 12.7% 0.4% 0.9% 15.3% 3.5% 43.0% 27.0% 1.3% 14.7%
43.0%
Female 39.9% 8.2% 1.0% 5.2% 0.4% 0.3% 1.1% 0.6% 0.3% 57.0% 3.6% 6.5% 19.4% 0.5% 2.0% 19.2% 5.8% 57.0% 35.3% 0.6% 21.1%
57.0%
Zone
Binaba 2.4%
- 0.1% 1.0% - - 0.1% 0.3% 0.5% 4.4% 0.3% 0.3% 2.6%
- 0.6% 0.5% 0.1% 4.4% 3.5% 0.1% 0.8%
4.4%
Gbantongo 5.7%
0.1% 0.5% 1.8% - - -
- - 8.1% 0.6% 2.6% 3.8%
- 0.4% 0.6% - 8.1% 7.8%
- 0.3%
8.1%
Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore
8.1% 2.0% 0.0% 0.1% - 0.4% - - 0.1% 10.7% - 1.5% 1.0% - 0.4% 5.3% 2.5% 10.7% 6.7% - 4.0% 10.7%
Sapeliga/Googo
12.2% 2.5% - 0.6% 0.1% 0.5% 0.4% - - 16.3% 0.5% 1.4% 6.2%
- 0.3% 7.7% 0.4% 16.4% 12.8%
- 3.6%
16.4%
Tanga 3.0% 1.8% - 1.0% - 0.1% - - - 5.9% - 0.5% 0.5%
- - 4.9% - 5.9% 2.1%
- 3.8%
5.9%
Teshie 5.2% 2.0% 0.4% 2.1% 0.1% 0.4% 0.1% 0.1% 0.3% 10.7% 1.0% 1.1% 5.7%
- 0.1% 2.6% 0.1% 10.7% 5.6% 1.3% 3.8%
10.7%
Tilli 2.4% 0.8% - 0.6% - - - - - 3.8% - 0.1% 0.8%
- 0.1% 2.8% - 3.8% 0.9% 0.1% 2.7%
3.7%
Timonde 4.3% 0.8% - 0.8% - 0.5% - - - 6.4% 3.0% 2.1% 0.6%
- - - 0.5% 6.3% 5.1% 0.1%
1.1% 6.3%
Widnaba 7.0% 0.5% - 0.8% - 0.4% - 0.1% - 8.8% 0.4% 1.3% 2.6% 0.3% 0.8% 3.3% 0.3% 8.8% 6.5% - 2.3%
8.8%
Zebilla 1.8% 0.0% 0.3% 0.3% - - - - - 2.4% 0.1% 0.1% 1.1% - - 0.8% 0.1% 2.3% 1.3%
- 1.0% 2.3%
Zongoyire 17.6% 1.8% 0.8% 1.8% 0.4% - - 0.3% 0.3% 23.0% 1.5% 1.9% 7.2% 0.6% 0.3% 6.2% 5.2% 22.8% 10.7% 0.3% 11.8%
22.8%
Area
Village 67.9% 12.3%
1.8% 10.6% 0.6% 2.3% 0.6% 0.8% 1.2% 98.1% 7.3% 12.8% 30.9% 0.9% 2.9% 33.8% 9.1% 97.7% 61.7% 1.9% 34.2% 97.8%
Town 0.2% - 0.3% 0.3% 0.4% - - 0.3% 0.3% 1.6% 0.1% 0.1% 1.1% - - 0.8% 0.1%
2.1% 1.3%
- 1.0% 2.3%
Age
5-15 y/o 0.5%
0.3% 0.4% 1.3% - 0.1% 0.4% - 0.1% 3.1% 1.1% - 0.1% - - 0.4% 0.3% 1.9% 2.0% 0.1% 2.5%
4.6%
16-25 y/o 0.8%
0.6% 0.3% 0.7% 0.1% 0.3% 0.3% - - 3.1% 1.5% 0.7% 0.8%
- 0.2% 0.5% 0.3% 4.0% 3.3% 0.5% 3.2%
7.0%
45
Nature of Disability Cause of Disability Treatment
Visually
Impaired
Hearing
Impaired
Deaf Orthopedically Handicapped
Mental
Illness
Leprosy Deformity
Epilepsy
Difficulty in
Moving,
Weakness, Stiffne
ss
Others Total Disability of Birth
Disability due to
accident
Disability due to
sickness
Disability
due to old age
Traditional Belief
(e.g. witchcraft, leaving
the person
under the tree, etc.)
Don’t Know
Other cause/s
Total Hospital (Medical) Treatment related
to disability
Traditional
(Indigenous)
Treatment
No Treatm
ent
Total
26-35 y/o 1.3% 0.4% 0.3% 0.9% 0.3% - 0.8% 0.1% - 4.1% 1.5% 0.7% 1.0% - 0.3% 0.7% 0.5% 4.7% 5.1% 0.3%
4.3% 9.7%
36-45 y/o 2.0% 0.8% 0.3% 0.8% - - 0.7% 0.3%
0.3% 5.2%
0.4% 0.5%
2.4% - 0.2% 1.5% 1.0% 6.0% 6.0% 0.4% 5.7%
12.1%
46-55 y/o 5.3% 0.4% 0.1% 1.1% 10.0%
- 0.0% 0.3%
0.3% 17.5%
0.4% 2.7% 2.9% - 0.2% 7.8% 1.0% 15.0% 9.0% 0.4% 4.9%
14.3%
56-65 y/0 11.3% 0.4% 0.1% 1.3% 0.1% 0.4% 0.1%
0.3%
0.3%
14.3%
1.5%
3.8% 13.5% - 0.6% 9.8% 2.0% 31.2% 13.2% - 5.2%
18.4%
66-75 y/o 11.3% 0.6% 0.1% 1.2% - 0.1% - 0.1% 13.4%
0.5% 3.2% 7.3% 0.3% 0.7% 7.4% 2.3% 21.7% 12.7% - 5.4%
18.1%
76-85 y/o 8.0% 0.1% - 0.6% - - - 0.1% 0.1%
8.9% 0.3% 1.3% 3.8% 0.5% 0.3% 5.4% 1.5% 13.1% 10.0% 0.1% 3.6%
13.7%
86-98 y/o 0.8% - - - - - - - - 0.8% 0.2% 0.1% 0.3% 0.1% 0.4% 1.1% 0.3% 2.5% 1.0% 0.1%
1.0% 2.1%
Education
None 69.1% 12.0%
1.9% 9.5% 0.7% 0.6% 2.2% 0.7% 1.0% 97.7% 7.3% 12.6% 23.1% 0.9% 2.7% 33.9% 9.2% - 60.2% 1.7% 35.8% 2.1%
Primary 0.3% 0.1% - 1.0% - - - - - 1.4% 0.2% 0.1% 0.5% -
0.1% 0.6% - -
1.2% 0.1% -
-
JHS 0.1% - - 0.2% - - - - - 0.3% - -
0.2% -
0.1% - - -
0.2% 0.1% - -
SHS 0.1% - 0.1% 0.2% - - - - - 0.4% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% - - -
0.1% -
0.5% -
- -
Vocational/ College
- 0.1% - - - 0.1% - - - 0.2% - 0.1% 0.1% - - - - - 0.2%
-
- -
General Total
69.6% 12.2%
2.0% 10.9% 0.7% 0.7% 2.2% 0.7% 1.0% 100.0%
7.4% 12.9% 32.1% 0.9% 2.9% 34.5% 9.3% 100.0%
62.3% 1.9% 35.8% 100.0%
46
Health Condition
Most of the people with
disabilities use public health
services more than people
without disabilities. Right from
the time of birth of disabled child
or from the day a person
suspect‟s impairment, she/he
visits hospitals and clinics
numerous times for diagnosis,
treatment, rehabilitation, second
opinion, etc. Moreover, many people with disability need medical help to take
care of secondary conditions, like pressure sores, fatigue, pain, etc.
Persons with disabilities make up nearly 15-20%12 of the poor population in
developing countries. Disability, poverty and poor health are inter-related.
Poverty leads to poor nutrition, lack of access to health, unhealthy and unsafe
living and working conditions, which can lead to impairments and diseases. After
the onset of a disability, physical and social barriers to health facilities,
education, employment, and other aspects of life can trap people in a cycle of
poverty.
In Persons with Disability Act 715, 2006, Article 31, it is stated that in
formulating health policies, the Ministry of Health shall provide free general and
specialist medical care, rehabilitative operations, treatment and appropriate
assistive devices for persons with total disability. Further, Article 32 states that
the Ministry of Health shall include the study of disability and disability-related
issues in the curricula of training institutions for health professionals in order to
develop appropriate human resources to provide general and specialized
rehabilitation services.
12
Sunanda Reddy, Major Issues Concerning Disabled People
47
Article 25 of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(UNCRPD) states that "persons with disabilities have the right to the enjoyment
of the highest attainable standard of health without discrimination on the basis
of disability". The Eleventh Five Year Plan also has mandates related to Disability
Certificate, aids & appliances, mental health, rehabilitation, etc. In order to fulfill
these commitments, a concerted effort is required from all concerned Ministries
and stakeholders.
These national and international
mandates make it clear that health
services need to cater to all,
including people with disabilities.
Services are required for people
with various disabilities,
particularly those with
deteriorating conditions, leprosy,
multiple disabilities, deaf-
blindness, spinal injuries, mental
disabilities, a range of syndromes, and many more.
However, in various studies in Ghana, a huge gap is apparent in terms of health
services for persons with disabilities in the country. For persons with disabilities
in Bawku West District, 40.6% have long-standing illnesses and health problems
aside from their disabilities that limit their activities or kind of work that they can
do. Issues range from inaccessible medical buildings and diagnostic equipment,
lack of transport to reach the health centre, (particularly for those who live in
villages far from the town), to negative/stereotypical attitudes of health
professionals or their ignorance or lack of training to communicate with people
with hearing/speech impairment or mental disability, or total expense of
treatment/rehabilitation.
48
Many times, the health of caretaker in the family or family members (45.3%)
too becomes an added concern, but they have extra burdens and are sometimes
neglected. Family resources get depleted as disabled parents, heads of the
family or family members move from one hospital or doctor to another, in search
of cure, treatment or rehabilitation for their disabled child/ disabled family
members or their own disability. Some of them also seek out “traditional”
treatment in a quest to cure for their own sickness or disabilities.
49
Table 13. Health condition of PWDs and other family members
Percentage of PWDs according to health condition aside from disabilities that has effect on their work/ activities including other family members, Bawku West District, 2011
PWDs' Health Condition Other Household Health Condition
Illness/ Health Problem Disability No Health Proble
m
Illness/ Health Problem
Disability No Health
Problem
Stomac
h Problem
Difficulty Manuring
Body Pain
Heart
Pain
Breast
Mass
Headach
e
Skin Rashes
Goiter
Hernia Fever
Elephantiasis
Difficulty seeing
Difficulty
speaking
Difficulty
Walking/ Weak
legs
Difficulty
Hearing
Epilepsy
Mental Illness
Diarrhea
Cough
Heart Proble
m
Difficulty Seeing
Orthopedically handicapped
Epilepsy
Sex
Male 0.6% 0.2% 2.1% 0.6% - 0.2% - - 0.1% - 0.1% 5.4% 0.2% 2.3% 0.3% 0.2% - 26.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.3% - - 21.7%
Female 1.5% - 2.1% 0.5% 0.1% 0.8% 0.1% 0.2% - 0.1% 0.1% 7.6% -
4.0% 0.7% 0.3% 0.1% 33.2% - - - 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 33.0%
Zone
Binaba 0.5% -
0.1% 0.1% - - - - - - - - - 0.1% - - - 2.6% - - - - - - 1.3%
Gbantongo 0.1% -
- - - - - - - - - - - - - 7.9% - - - - - - 8.1%
Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore
0.1% - 1.0% 0.5% 0.1% 0.3%
- - - - -
5.6% - 1.2% 0.3% 0.2% - 1.3%
- - - - -
0.2% 5.5%
Sapeliga/Googo
0.1% - 0.1% - -
0.3% - - - - - - -
- 0.1% - -
16.0% - - - - - -
2.4%
Tanga 0.3% - - - - - - - - - - - 0.6% 0.2% - - 4.5% - 0.1% - 0.5% 0.1% - 3.4%
Teshie 0.6% 0.1% 0.8% 0.3% - 0.3% 0.1% 0.1% - - 0.1% 0.1% 0.7% - - 6.7% - - - - - - 9.9%
Tilli 0.1% - 0.7% 0.1% - - -
- 0.1% - 0.3% 0.2% 0.1% - - 1.6% -
- -
- -
- 2.3%
Timonde - - - -
0.1% - - - -
0.3% 2.2% 0.1% 1.7% 0.2% 0.2% 0.1% 1.8% - -
- -
- -
3.1%
Widnaba 0.1% 0.1% 5.0% 0.1% - - - 0.1% 0.1% - - 4.4% -
0.2% - - -
2.5% -
- 0.1% - 0.1% - 7.3%
Zebilla - - 0.3% - - - - - - - -
- 0.2% - - - 1.8% - - - - - -
1.3%
Zongoyire 0.1% - - - - - - - - - - 0.3% - - - 0.1% - 21.3% - - - - - 20.0%
Area
Village 2.0% - - - - - - - - 0.1% 0.3%
12.9% 0.2% 4.8%
0.9% 0.5% 0.1% 68.0% -
0.1% 0.1% 0.5% 0.2% 0.2% 63.3%
Town - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0.2% - - - 1.8% - - - - - - 1.3%
Age
5-15 y/o 0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.1%
0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 2.8% 3.1%
50
PWDs' Health Condition Other Household Health Condition
Illness/ Health Problem Disability No Health Proble
m
Illness/ Health Problem
Disability No Health
Problem
Stomac
h Problem
Difficulty Manuring
Body Pain
Heart
Pain
Breast
Mass
Headach
e
Skin Rashes
Goiter
Hernia Fever
Elephantiasis
Difficulty seeing
Difficulty
speaking
Difficulty
Walking/ Weak
legs
Difficulty
Hearing
Epilepsy
Mental Illness
Diarrhea
Cough
Heart Proble
m
Difficulty Seeing
Orthopedically handicapped
Epilepsy
16-25 y/o 0.1% -
0.1% 0.1% - - - - - - - 0.2%
0.2% 0.3% 0.2% 0.2% -
5.0% -
- - -
0.1% -
4.9%
26-35 y/o 0.1% - 0.3% - - - - - - - - 0.1% -
0.6% 0.2% - - 4.7% - 0.1% - - -
- 4.5%
36-45 y/o 0.4% - 0.2% 0.1% -
0.2% - - -
- - 0.5% - 0.2 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 4.7% - - - -
- -
4.6%
46-55 y/o - 0.1% 0.2% 0.2% - 0.1% - - - 0.1% 0.1% 1.5% -
1.2 0.1% -
- 7.6% - - - - -
- 6.0%
56-65 y/0 0.7% 0.1% 0.5% 0.2% 0.1% - -
0.1% - - -
2.6% - 1.2 - - -
13.3% - -
- 0.2% - 0.1% 9.0%
66-75 y/o 0.1% -
1.2% 0.3% -
0.2% - 0.1% 0.1% - - 4.9% -
1.8 0.1% 0.1% - 11.6% 0.1% - 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 12.0%
76-85 y/o 0.5% - 0.8% -
- 0.1% - - - - -
2.3% - 0.7 0.1% - -
8.0% - - - - - -
9.0%
86-98 y/o - - 0.1% - - - - - - - - 0.5% - 0.1% - - - 1.2% - - - - - - 1.3%
Education
None 0.2% 0.2% 4.2% 1.1% 0.1% 1.0% 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 12.4% 0.2%
5.9% 1.0% 0.5% 0.1% 34.8% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.4% 0.1% 0.2% 28.8%
Primary 0.1% - - - - - - - - - -
0.6% -
0.1% - - -
2.5% - - - - - -
3.5%
JHS -
- - - - - - - - - - - - 0.2% - - - 0.6% - - - - - - 0.5%
SHS - - - - - - - - - - - - -
0.1% - - -
0.8% - - - - - -
0.7%
Vocational/ College
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 0.7% - - - - - - 0.6%
General Total
2.1% 0.2% 4.2% 1.1% 0.1% 1.0% 0.1% 0.2% 0.1% 0.1% 0.2% 13.0%
0.2% 6.3% 1.0% 0.5% 0.1% 59.4% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.4% 0.1% 0.2% 54.7%
51
Health Care
Of the PWD respondents in
Bawku West, 42.3% have health
insurance. Most of them are self-
pay, out-of-pocket
payers(30.2%); 10.8% are
government funded; 0.9% have
payments made by their family
members while the remaining
0.4% pay by private insurance
(0.2%) and church (0.2%). The
remaining 57.7% have no health
insurance.
Good health care policies that will provide access for the needs of persons with
disabilities is a necessity that the Persons with Disability Act (715, section 31)
emphasizes: “The Ministry of Health in formulating health policies shall provide
for free general and specialist medical care, rehabilitative operation treatment
and appropriate assistive devices for persons with total disability.” It appears
that the general conditions of persons with disabilities are already overburdened
with educational, social, architectural, transportation, institutional and
information barriers, as well as poverty. Free access to health care might
lessened their plight.
The government of Ghana is trying to improve the lives of persons with
disabilities in the country, a fact attested to by the passage of the disability law,
the inauguration of the National Council on Persons with Disability, and the
recent appointment of an acting Executive Secretary for the council.
The National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) was founded as one of the key
pillars of Poverty Reduction of the government. It was introduced in 2003
through the National Health Insurance Act, Act 650, with the view to improving
52
financial access of Ghanaians, especially the poor and vulnerable, to quality
basic health services.13
In 2005, a national health
insurance scheme was launched
by the government of Ghana, to
give the population access to
affordable health facilities.
However, in the case of PWDs,
unless they are classified as
indigents, they are not entitled to
exemption from paying the
subscription fee, an option which,
according to the plan, may be granted to poor people. Moreover, experience
shows that, when exemption is granted, payment to the scheme is picked up by
the Common Funds, a practice which the PWDs consider an improper use of the
funds.
While the insurance will cover most ordinary diseases and some types of
accidents, rehabilitation services, appliances, and prostheses are not included in
the insurance scheme. The information about the insurance is however not
designed for PWDs.14
Article 25 of United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
(UNCRPD) states, “Prohibit discrimination against persons with disabilities in the
provision of health insurance, and life insurance where such insurance is
permitted by national law, which shall be provided in a fair and reasonable
manner”.
13
National Health Insurance Scheme Website 14
Ghana Federation for the Disabled People
53
Ideally, all disabled people should have access to government and private
insurance schemes. However in reality, many persons with disabilities do not
have health care insurance. It is easy to understand that persons with
disabilities, in general, incur more expenditures than non-disabled people on
medical and related expenses such as prescribed medications, care for
preventing secondary conditions, support services, etc.
Recognizing this fact, in other countries such as the U.S and UK, they have
designed excellent health insurance plans supported by the government for
disabled people and elderly, covering a wide range of expenses including,
hospital insurance and medical insurance. Hospital Insurance covers care in
hospitals as an inpatient, critical access hospitals, skilled nursing facilities,
hospice care, and some home health care. Medical Insurance covers Doctors‟
services, outpatient hospital care, and some other medical services and home
health care.
54
In Ghana, health care services may become affordable for all only when the
changes in policy take into account all marginalized groups in a Social Security
Net. Specific policies and laws identifying services for PWDs is one of the
solutions that can be considered.
Table 14. Health Care Status and Payment System
Percentage distribution of PWDs according to health care including payment, Bawku West District, 2011
Health Care
Government Funding
Self pay,
out of pocket
Private Insurance
Family Member
Pays
Others (e.g.
Church, etc.
No Health Care
Sex
Male 5.1% 12.3% 0.1% 0.3% 0.1% 21.6%
Female 5.7% 17.9% 0.1% 0.6% 0.1% 31.8%
Zone
Binaba 0.6% 2.6% - 0.2% 0.5% 0.5% Gbantongo - 3.0% - - - 5.1% Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore 0.4% 5.7% - - - 4.6%
Sapeliga/Googo 2.0% 5.9% 0.1% 0.1% - 8.3%
Tanga 0.3% 2.3% 0.1% - - 3.2%
Teshie - 4.0% - - - 6.3%
Tilli - 1.4% - - - 2.4%
Timonde 3.4% 2.9% - - - 0.0%
Widnaba 1.0% 0.5% - - - 7.3%
Zebilla 1.1% 0.1% - - - 1.1%
Zongoyire 2.4% 4.8% - 0.6% 0.4% 14.6%
Area
Village 10.1% 33.1% 0.2% 0.9% 0.9% 52.3%
Town 1.1% 0.1% - - - 1.1%
Age
5-15 y/o 0.3% 1.2% - 0.2% - 1.5% 16-25 y/o 0.6% 2.0% - 0.1% 0.1% 2.3% 26-35 y/o 0.7% 2.0% - - - 2.0%
36-45 y/o 1.2% 3.5% - 0.1% - 2.0%
46-55 y/o 1.2% 4.5% - - - 6.0%
56-65 y/0 3.3% 8.5% 0.1% 0.2% - 7.1%
66-75 y/o 2.2% 7.1% - 0.1% 0.1% 8.3%
76-85 y/o 1.2% 4.0% 0.1% 0.1% - 6.0%
86-98 y/o 0.4% 1.0% - - - 1.0%
Education
None 10.4% 33.0% 0.2% 0.8% 0.2% 45.5%
Primary 0.1% 0.7% - 0.1% - 1.5%
JHS 0.2% 0.1% - - - 0.1%
SHS 0.3% - - - - 0.1%
Vocational/ College 0.1% 0.1% - - - 0.1%
GENERAL TOTAL 10.8% 30.2% 0.2% 0.9% 0.2% 53.4%
55
VI. Government role as seen by Persons with Disabilities
This section provides information about the perception of PWDs about
government‟s role in Bawku West. The PWDs were asked series of questions to
identify the needs and awareness of PWDs about the role of government in
PWDs issue.
1. What would you suggest to the local government about how they
can help PWDs?
Suggestion of PWDs Female Male Total
1 Support for farming e.g. farm inputs, technical assistance and financial support
15.5% 14.6% 30.1%
2 Assistance for livelihood including business expansion 15.1% 10.2% 25.3%
3 Provide financial assistance e.g., micro-credit, loan and cash
15.1% 4.4% 19.5%
4 Aid for food 6.8% 6.7% 13.5%
5 Provide animals to rear 1.0% 1.1% 2.1%
6 Educational support 0.9% 1.1% 2.0%
7 Infrastructure 0.8% 1.0% 1.8%
8 Provide employment opportunities 0.4% 0.9% 1.3%
9 Provide medical assistance 0.4% 0.8% 1.1%
10 Support for water 0.4% 0.8% 1.1%
11 Self-reliance 0.4% 0.8% 1.1%
12 No suggestion 0.4% 0.8% 1.1%
GENERAL TOTAL 57.0% 43.0% 100.0%
2. What role do you like your district to perform in relation to the
“outside world”, i.e., the region and/ or country as a whole?
Table 15. Suggestions of PWDs addressed to local government on how they can help PWDs
56
Perceived roles Female Male Total
1 Increase expansion of infrastructure e.g., CHP centers, public toilets, bridges, boreholes, schools for PWDs, roads
11.9% 9.2% 21.1%
2 Provision of loans, micro-credit and other financial assistance for PWDs
8.4% 8.8% 17.2%
3 Provision of assistance for farming 10.1% 5.9% 16.0%
4 Provision of employment seat opportunities for PWDs 6.5% 4.7% 11.2%
5 Donate food for PWDs 5.2% 5.8% 10.9%
6 Provision of electricity to households 4.9% 5.7% 10.6%
7 Provision of educational support 0.9% 1.3% 2.1%
8 Don’t know 9.1% 1.8% 10.8%
GENERAL TOTAL 57.0% 43.0% 100.0%
3. What do you want your people (men and women) to be? What are
your aspirations as a people?
Aspirations Female Male Total
1 Have sufficient food to eat 11.6% 5.5% 17.1%
2 The respect for PWDs by community and able people 9.1% 5.7% 14.7%
3 Access to quality health care 6.5% 4.9% 11.4%
4 Unity among PWDs 5.9% 3.4% 9.3%
5 More awareness on the Rights of PWDs 1.1% 1.6% 2.8%
6 Able to do farming and contribute to the development of the nation
1.1% 1.4% 2.5%
7 Access support for life 1.4% 1.1% 2.5%
8 Contribute to the development of the nation 1.1% 1.3% 2.4%
9 Provide support for the government in terms of infrastructure, e.g., free labor and maintenance
0.9% 1.4% 2.3%
10 Jobs for PWDs 1.1% 1.1% 2.3%
11 Access to skills training 1.1% 1.1% 2.3%
12 Community and able people to love the PWDs 1.4% 0.9% 2.3%
13 Access to financial assistance e.g., loans, micro-credit for livelihood activities
1.1% 1.0% 2.1%
14 Come out of poverty 1.1% 0.8% 1.9%
15 Have animals to rear for living 1.1% 0.8% 1.9%
16 Be part of the society like able people 0.9% 0.9% 1.8%
17 Community and other people not discriminate PWDs 0.0% 0.9% 0.9%
18 Don’t know what to say, no suggestion 10.3% 9.3% 19.6%
GENERAL TOTAL 57.0% 43.0% 100.0%
Table 16. Perceived roles of the local government in relation to regional and/ or country in general
Table 17. Aspiration as a person and for community and society as a whole
57
Table 18. PWDs wish to be the state of District’s local economy
Table 19. Dreams of PWDs to be the condition of District’s natural environment
4. What hopes do you have for the state and local economy?
PWDs wish Female Male Total
1 Increased number of citizens who will pay taxes 9.8% 6.5% 16.4%
2 Increased farm production 7.4% 5.8% 13.2%
3 Financially independent 9.4% 1.1% 10.6%
4 Constituents are educated 3.4% 4.4% 7.8%
5 Accessible water system/ source of water 3.3% 4.0% 7.3%
6 Intensified infrastructure 3.4% 3.8% 7.2%
7 Have sufficient resources (raw materials, financial, etc.) 3.0% 4.0% 7.0%
8 Expanded business 2.9% 4.0% 6.9%
9 Adequate food for the people 4.2% 1.9% 6.0%
10 Increased animals raised 3.8% 0.6% 4.4%
11 Fair treatment 2.9% 0.0% 2.9%
12 Accessible electrical power 0.0% 2.4% 2.4%
13 Self reliance 0.0% 1.4% 1.4%
14 No suggestion 3.5% 3.0% 6.5%
GENERAL TOTAL 57.0% 43.0% 100.0%
5. What do you dream to be the condition of your District Assembly’s
natural environment?
Dreams of PWDs Female Male Total
1 People have respect to PWDs 6.7% 8.4% 15.1%
2 Facilities are available e.g. schools for PWDs, CHP centers, boreholes
6.7% 4.2% 10.8%
3 Farmers, particularly PWD farmers, supported by farming inputs
4.9% 5.9% 10.8%
4 Food enough for the people. PWDs are not deprived of food
6.9% 3.4% 10.3%
5 Contribute to country development 4.9% 2.1% 7.0%
6 People have good health, particularly the PWDs 4.9% 0.5% 5.4%
7 Local government, community give support to PWDs in any ways
1.4% 3.4% 4.8%
8 Self reliance 1.4% 2.9% 4.3%
9 Government and community acknowledge PWDs to be part of decision making
0.0% 3.1% 3.1%
10 People are responsible 1.3% 0.1% 1.4%
11 PWDs are able to attend school/ PWDs are educated 1.4% 0.0% 1.4%
12 PWDs have access to financial support 1.4% 0.0% 1.4%
13 Unity among PWDs 1.4% 0.0% 1.4%
14 Community is aware on the Rights of PWDs 1.1% 0.0% 1.1%
15 Jobs are available for PWDs 1.0% 0.0% 1.0%
16 PWDs are able to visit/ come to District Assembly 0.5% 0.0% 0.5%
17 Live a good life 0.0% 0.3% 0.3%
18 No Suggestion 11.2% 8.7% 19.9%
GENERAL TOTAL 57.0% 43.0% 100.0%
58
6. What do you want to be role of PWDs in local governance
Desired role in local governance Female Male Total
1 Be part of decision-making and representation 9.8% 9.6% 19.4%
2 Pay tax 8.4% 5.9% 14.3%
3 Increase farm income 7.4% 6.2% 13.6%
4 Vote 2.4% 2.5% 4.9% 5 Be involved in awareness raising on the Rights of PWDs 0.5% 0.4% 0.9%
6 Assist the government in infrastructure development e.g., construction, fetching water, plastering, maintenance
0.4% 0.1% 0.5%
7 Involved in community activities 0.4% 0.1% 0.5%
8 Support the government through prayers 0.4% 0.1% 0.5%
9 Initiate voluntary service for the government 0.3% 0.1% 0.4%
10 Contribute to economy through involvement in income- generating activities
0.3% 0.1% 0.4%
11 Be educated and learn skills 0.0% 0.4% 0.4%
12 To share ideas 0.3% 0.0% 0.3%
13 Support the family 0.1% 0.1% 0.3%
14 Promote peace 0.3% 0.0% 0.3%
15 Don't know, no suggestion 26.2% 17.3% 43.5%
GENERAL TOTAL 57.0% 43.0% 100.0%
Table 20. PWDs’ desired role in local governance
59
Figure 20. Percentage according to support acquired from the government
Assistance from local government
A large majority of respondents (97.7%) are not aware of any assistance,
programs or services of the government design for PWDs. The remaining
respondents (2.3%) revealed that they aware and have acquired a some
assistance from the government, such as financial support from the LEAP
Programme of the Department of Social Welfare.
From the discussions and interviews in this study, a majority of responding
PWDs are of the opinion that PWDs should be entitled to financial support from
the government. It also became clear that most respondents do not know if the
government provides any programmes, services or support for them. Most
respondents do feel that the government should support PWDs more, in ways
such as giving them loans for livelihood activities, a seat for employment,
medical support, free education and skills training, free access to public
transport and to other infrastructure such as schools for PWDs, public toilets,
roads, water and electrical power. (Please refer to Table 15. Suggestions of
PWDs addressed to local government on how they can help PWDs).
0.0% 20.0% 40.0% 60.0% 80.0% 100.0%
No support acquired Received support
Female 56.2% 0.8%
Male 41.5% 1.5%
Support from Government
60
Awareness of Laws, Policies and Legislations that is supportive of PWDs
Among the respondents, only 18.2% are aware of the existence of the Disability
Act whilst those who are not aware are 81.8%. As shown in Figure 18, of these
respondents who are not aware of any legislation or laws of PWDs, females
(46.5%) are, to some extent, higher than males (35.2%).
Awareness among respondents with educational level (6.5%) and respondents
who are members of organizations or community groups (1.3%) was somewhat
higher than the awareness of those without any organizational affiliation and
educational attainment.
Respondents, who said they are aware of any legislation or law, were asked if
they knew the name of this legislation or law. Some of them mentioned the
Disability Act 715 while others mentioned international legislation like the UN
Convention on the Rights of PWDs. The other respondents were not able to
mention any law and those respondents who are aware of the existence of the
Act are mostly not aware of its contents.
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
Aware Not Aware
Female 10.4% 46.5%
Male 7.8% 35.2%
Awareness on Disability Policies
Figure 18. Percentage according to awareness of disability policies, legislations or laws
61
Source of Information
Respondents identified the sources of their information about laws supportive of
PWDs as:
District Assembly, mentioned by 11.4%.
Media, mentioned by 19.7%.
Colleague or neighbor, mentioned by 0.9%
NGOs and other organizations, mentioned by 0.4%
Respondents who are not aware and have no access to information,
mentioned were 67.5%
District Assembly
Media Collegue NGOs None
Male 4.7% 8.1% 0.5% 0.4% 29.4%
Female 6.8% 11.7% 0.4% 0.0% 38.1%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
Sources of Information
Figure 19. Percentage according to sources of information
62
Table 11. AWARENESS ON LAWS, LEGISLATIONS AND POLICIES SUPPORTIVE OF
PWDs AND SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Percentage of PWDs according to awareness on laws, legislations or policies supportive of PWDs and
sources of information, Bawku West District, 2011
Awareness on Law, Policies supportive
of PWDs
Source of Information
Aware Not Aware
District Assembly
Media Neighbor/ Colleague
NGOs None
Sex
Male 7.8% 35.2% 4.7% 8.1% 0.5% 0.4% 29.4%
Female 10.4% 46.5% 6.8% 4.7% 0.4% - 38.1%
Zone
Binaba 2.9% 1.5% 2.4% 0.3% 0.9% - 0.9% Gbantongo - 8.1% - - - - 8.1% Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore 3.8% 6.9% 4.4% - - - 6.3%
Sapeliga/Googo 2.9% 13.5% 0.1% 2.5% - - 13.7%
Tanga 2.4% 3.5% 1.8% 1.1% - - 3.0%
Teshie 0.3% 10.4% 0.1% 0.8% - 0.3% 9.6%
Tilli 1.6% 2.1% - 1.6% - 0.1% 2.0%
Timonde 1.6% 4.7% - 6.2% - - 10.0%
Widnaba 1.3% 7.5% 1.9% 0.8% - - 6.2%
Zebilla 1.4% 0.9% 0.5% 1.4% - - 0.4%
Zongoyire 0.1% 22.6% 0.3% 5.2% - - 17.4%
Area
Village 16.9% 80.8% 11.0% 18.5% 0.9% 0.4% 77.2%
Town 1.4% 0.9% 0.5% 1.4% 0.0% 0.0% 0.4%
General Total 18.2% 81.7% 11.5% 12.8% 0.9% 0.4% 67.5%
63
VII. Children and Women with disabilities
I. Children with Disabilities
Among provisions in the Eleventh
Five Year Plan with respect to
Children with Disabilities, „Towards
Women‟s Agency & Child Rights‟,
under the section, „Providing for
Special Needs of Differently-abled
Children‟, it states:
“Discrimination and often
abandonment is a reality for them.
Ensuring access to education, health, and nutrition for children with disabilities is
a formidable challenge for the Eleventh Plan. The Plan will ensure among other
things, provision of ramps in schools, development of disabled-friendly curricula,
and training and sensitization of teachers. It is critical to see disability as a child
protection issue as well. Even today, data related to disability among
children varies with source. It is estimated that hardly 50% of disabled
children reach adulthood, and no more than 20% survive till the fourth
decade of life. Although there is very little information regarding the nutritional
status of children with disabilities, it is recognized that disabled children living in
poverty are among the most deprived in the world.”
One of the human rights goals of Ghana is to protect children against abuse,
exploitation and violence, including the elimination of discrimination against
children with disabilities. A guarantee to provide special treatment for PWDs is
stated in 1992 Republican Constitution of Ghana. Efforts have been made to
provide necessary services including facilities for the development of children
with disabilities. As this study in Bawlu West demonstrates, disabled children and
adults still face many challenges due to the disability, to poverty and to social
attitudes.
64
In the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, a child is considered to be any
human being below the age of 18 [CRC Article 1]. The definition therefore
includes babies, small children, older children and young people.
Many obstacles to providing
services for children with
disabilities in Ghana stem from
negative perceptions that have
existed in Ghana‟s culture for
centuries. In areas where
traditional beliefs are strong,
the birth of a disabled child
comes with additional
difficulties for the family. When
a child is born with a disability, the fault is assigned primarily to the mother
because she is seen to have failed in her role in childbirth. Failure to produce a
healthy child is traditionally attributed to past disobedience or wrongdoing
committed either by the mother or by her family. Families are often hesitant to
seek assessment service, and they tend to provide alternative explanations for
impairment, such as “a tree fell on the child,” in order to avoid spiritual
prejudices.
To look further at the way parents may understand their child‟s disability, in a
study conducted by Ghana Statistical Service in 2007, the following information
was generated about the percentage of children aged two (2) to nine (9) years
of age with disability reported by their mother or caretaker listed according to
the type of disability.
65
Table 21. Percentage of children with disability reported by their mother or caretaker
according to type of disability
Percentage of children 2-9 years of age with disability reported by their
mother or caretaker according to type of disability (HIRD Supplementary
Survey, 2007)
Percentage of children aged 2-9 years with reported disability by
type of disability
1 Delay in sitting, standing or walking 1.8%
2 Difficulty in seeing either in the day time or at night 1.6%
3 Appears to have difficulty hearing 2.7%
4 Not understanding of instruction 0.2%
5 Difficulty in walking, moving, moving arms, weakness or
stiffness
1.3%
6 Have fits, become rigid, lose consciousness 2.3%
7 Not learning to do things like other children his/her age 1.3%
8 No speaking, cannot be understood in words 1.6%
9 Appears mentally backward, dull or slow 1.4%
Percentage of children 2-9 years of age with at least one reported
disability
10.9%
Number of children aged 2-9 years 404
10 Speech is not normal 3.1%
Number of children aged 3-9 years 354
11 Cannot name at least one object 11.6%
Number of children aged 2 years 50
General total according to percentage 39.8%
General total according to total number of children aged 2-9
years
808
* Source: High Impact Rapid Delivery (HIRD) Supplementary Survey, 2007
66
It is well recognized that the
first three to four years of a
child‟s life are crucial to both
cognitive and emotional
development. Particularly, the
more a child is spoken to and
read to in a nurturing
environment, the more she/ he
will respond and develop.
Equally, studies show that
isolation and lack of
stimulation can slow down and negatively impact a child‟s development. In
many countries, the child with disability is often given least attention and
nurturance in the family and is frequently isolated from society. In the study of
Ghana Statistical Service in 2007, those parents, particularly the mothers with
education, pay attention and take enough care for the early childhood needs of
their children particularly the children with disabilities. In other words, the
education of parents of a disabled child may have a positive influence on the
child‟s growth and development.
67
Table 22. Nature of Disability and Health Condition of Children with Disabilities
Percentage of children with disabilities according to nature of disability and health condition, Bawku West District, 2011
Nature of Disability Other illness/ health condition aside from disability
Visually Impaired
Hearing
Impaired
Orthopedically
handicapped
Deaf Epileptic
Leprosy
Mental Illness
Others (e.g., smaller than the his age,
have big mass on the navel)
Body pains
Leg/ knee/ foot
problem, swollen
Ear pain
Eye pain
Skin disease
Stomach pain
Response is
"yes" only
No other illness
Sex
Male 0.5% 0.3% 1.3% - 0.1% 0.1% 0.3% 0.3% 0.1% 0.4% - 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 2.6% Female 0.4% 0.3% 1.3% 0.3% 0.3% 0.1% - - 0.1% 0.1% - - - 0.8% 1.6% Zone
Binaba - - 0.4% - - 0.1% - - - - - - - - - - Gbantongo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore
- - - - 0.1% - - -
- - - - - - 0.1% 0.1%
Sapeliga/Googo - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Tanga 0.1% - 0.1% - 0.1% - - - - 0.1% 0.1% - - - - - Teshie 0.3% 0.3% 0.6% - - - 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% - - 0.1% 0.1% 0.3% 0.3% Tilli - - - - - - - - - 0.1% - - - - - -
Timonde 0.3% - 0.3% - 0.1% - - - - - - 0.1% - - 0.3% 0.3% Widnaba - - 0.1% - - - - - - 0.1% - - - - - -
Zebilla - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Zongoyire 0.3% 0.3% 1.0% 0.3% - - 0.3% 0.1% - - - - - - 0.3% 0.3% Area
Village 0.9% 0.5% 2.5% 0.3% 0.4% 0.1% 0.4% 0.3% 0.1% 0.5% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.9% 0.9% Town - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Age
5-15 y/o 0.4% 0.4% 0.6% 0.1% 0.3% 0.1% 0.3% 0.3% 0.1% 0.4% 0.1% - 0.1% 0.1% 0.4% 0.4% 16-25 y/o 0.5% 0.1% 1.9% 0.1% 0.1% - 0.1% - - 0.1% - 0.1% - - 0.5% 0.5% Education
None - - - - - - 0.4% - 0.1% 0.4% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% - 0.8% 0.8% Primary 0.3% 0.1% 0.8% 0.4% 0.4 0.1% - 0.3% - 0.1% - - - 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% JHS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SHS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
68
Nature of Disability Other illness/ health condition aside from disability
Visually Impaired
Hearing
Impaired
Orthopedically
handicapped
Deaf Epileptic
Leprosy
Mental Illness
Others (e.g., smaller than the his age,
have big mass on the navel)
Body pains
Leg/ knee/ foot
problem, swollen
Ear pain
Eye pain
Skin disease
Stomach pain
Response is
"yes" only
No other illness
Vocational/ College
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
General Total 0.9% 0.5% 2.5%
0.3% 0.4% 0.1% 0.4% 0.3% 0.1% 0.5% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1%
0.9% 0.9%
69
II. Women with Disabilities
Women with disabilities are the
poorest of the poor around the
world. In every sphere of life, a
majority of women with
disabilities, particularly in
developing countries, suffer the
triple discrimination of: (1) being
female; (2) being disabled; and
(3) being poor. They face
infringement of rights at every
level. Almost all are considered a financial burden and social liability by their
families. They face more violence than non-disabled. Most of them experience a
high incidence of sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
From the fact sheet prepared by Rehabilitation International and World Institute
on Disability, basic facts and data on the worldwide situation of women and girls
with disabilities provided to delegates to the UN 4th World Conference and
associated NGO Forum:
In some countries disabled females have a higher excessive mortality rate than
do disabled males. For example, although polio strikes females and males
equally, research in one country recorded more than twice the number of boys
with effects of polio than girls. This unusual finding was explained by the fact
that boys survived polio twice as often while many girls may have died before
they could be counted in the study. 15This study supports the common
observation in many developing countries that families take sickness or disability
among male children more seriously than that of girls, resulting in more visits
for boys to medical and health services.
Women make up more than 65% of the world's illiterate--about 600 million
15
Prejudice and Dignity, United Nations Development Program, 1992 p.33
70
women do not know how to read or write. 16 In Africa, this percentage rises to
85%. 17 Recent UNESCO studies have suggested that only approximately 1-2%
of disabled children in developing countries receive any education, and it is well-
known from field studies that disabled boys attend schools much more
frequently than disabled girls. These studies are confirmed by presentations
made to the UN Experts Seminar on Women and Disability (Vienna 1990), that
in many countries it is still the norm that a girl with a disability will be hidden at
home. A 1994 conference on "Blind Women in Africa" presented information
from 32 countries, demonstrating that access to literacy programs and education
was often their only way to avoid a life of begging in the streets for survival. 18
Regardless of country or
culture, from the least
developed to the most highly
developed nations, disabled
women are employed at rates
far lower than disabled men.
The pattern is established
early on and is similar from
country to country: as girls
they have less access to
education; as adolescents,
they have fewer chances to socialize or receive guidance about planning their
futures; and as adults they have fewer chances to receive rehabilitation services
and enter training programs or the labor market. Additionally, unlike other
women, they have little chance to enter a marriage or inherit property which can
offer a form of economic security. (Studies include: Vocational Rehabilitation of
Disabled Women in the European Community, 1988; Vocational Rehabilitation of
Women with Disabilities, I.D., 1988; Women with Disabilities, the Economics of
Double Jeopardy, RI, 1992, World Congress Proceedings).
16
World of Work, ILO May/ June, 1995 p.4 17
Women and Disability, UN Non-Governmental Liason Service, 1991 p.31 18
World Blind, July 94 – March 95, 00. 66-69
71
For women in any society, having a disability signifies dependency, weakness,
loss of status and relegation to an unproductive, genderless role in the
community. Any girl or woman with a disability who chooses to fight this
demeaning stereotype and take part in her community and society has an uphill,
lonely battle. Studies have shown that the disabled women who do manage to
break through the walls of prejudice and discrimination usually have benefited
from strong role models and/or support groups of their peers. Strong networks,
are needed to enable girls and women with disabilities to support each other in
their efforts to join the world. 19
Further, physical and sexual
violence against disabled girls and
women occurs at alarming rates
within families, in institutions, and
throughout society. Disabled
women's groups are beginning to
address this issue through self-
defense courses, political pressure
for studies of the situation, and
pressure for inclusion of disabled
women within shelters and other services for abused women.
The world over, responsibility for care of people with disabilities, from infancy to
aging parents, is overwhelmingly consigned to women. The Alternative
Copenhagen Declaration (1995 World Summit on Social Development) called for
men to begin sharing the responsibility for assistance needed by children and
adults with disabilities.
19
Pride against Prejudice, 1991, London
72
Table 23. Nature of Disability and Health Condition of Women with Disabilities
Percentage of women with disabilities according to nature of disability and health condition, Bawku West District, 2011
Nature of Disability Other illness aside from disability
Visually Impaired
Hearing
Impaired
Orthopedically
handicapped
Difficulty moving, weaknes
s, stiffness
Deaf Epileptic
Leprosy Mental Illness
Others disabili
ty
Stomach disease
Heart problem
Headache
Fever Breast nodule
Difficulty
manuring
Body pains
Goiter
Sex
Male - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Female 38.6% 7.8% 5.2% 6.7% 1.3% 0.9% 0.6% 0.4% 0.1% 1.5% 0.6% 0.8% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 2.5% 0.3%
Zone
Binaba 0.9% 0.5% 0.5% 0.1% - - - - 0.3% - - - - - - -
Gbantongo 2.8% 0.1% 0.9% - - - - - - 0.1% - - - - -
Saka/Yikurugu/Kobore
5.7% 1.5% 0.1% 1.1% 0.1% - - - - 0.3% 0.3% 0.4% 0.1% 0.1% - 0.6% -
Sapeliga/Googo
6.3% 1.9% 0.4% 1.0% - 0.5% 0.4% 0.1% - 0.1% - 0.1% - - - 0.1% -
Tanga 1.5% 0.9% 0.8% 0.1% - - - - - 0.4% - - - - - -
Teshie 2.4% 1.0% 1.0% 1.8% 0.4% 0.1% - - 0.1% 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% - - 0.1% 0.8% 0.1%
Tilli 1.8% 0.8% 0.1% - - - - - - - - - - - 0.6% -
Timonde 2.0% 0.8% 0.3% 0.6% - 0.1% 0.3% 0.1% - - - - - - - -
Widnaba 4.4% 0.1% 0.3% - - 0.1% 0.1% - - 0.1% - - - - 0.3% 0.1%
Zebilla 1.0% - - 0.3% 0.4% - - - - - - - - - - 0.1% -
Zongoyire 9.9% 0.8% 0.9% 1.3% 0.4% - - - - - - - - - - - -
Area
Village 37.6% 7.8% 5.2% 6.4% 1.0% 0.9% 0.6% 0.4% 0.1% 1.5% 0.6% 0.8% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 2.4% 0.3%
Town 1.0% 0.3% 0.4% 0.1%
Age
5-15 y/o - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
16-25 y/o 0.3% 1.0% 0.8% 0.1% 0.4% 0.3% 0.3% - - 0.1% - - - - - 0.3% -
26-35 y/o 0.8% 1.0% 1.0% 1.1% 0.3% 0.6% - - - 0.1% - - - - - 0.3% -
36-45 y/o 1.6% 0.9% 0.4% 0.8% 0.3% - - - - 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% - - - 0.3% -
46-55 y/o 4.5% 1.0% 0.8% 1.5% 0.3% - - 0.1% - 0.6% 0.3% 0.1% - 0.1% 0.5% -
56-65 y/0 9.2% 1.6% 0.9% 1.8% 0.1% - 0.4% 0.1% 0.1% 0.3% 0.1% 0.1% - 0.1% - 0.5% 0.1%
66-75 y/o 10.1% 1.9% 1.1% 0.8% 0.1% - - 0.1% - 0.3% 0.1% 0.3% - - - 0.5% 0.1%
73
Nature of Disability Other illness aside from disability
Visually Impaired
Hearing
Impaired
Orthopedically
handicapped
Difficulty moving, weaknes
s, stiffness
Deaf Epileptic
Leprosy Mental Illness
Others disabili
ty
Stomach disease
Heart problem
Headache
Fever Breast nodule
Difficulty
manuring
Body pains
Goiter
76-85 y/o 6.0% 0.4% 0.3% 0.4% - - - - - - - 0.1% - - - 0.3% -
86-98 y/o 0.8% 0.1% - - - - - - - 0.1% - - - - -
Education
None 38.1% 7.7% 4.3% 6.7% 1.3% 0.9% 0.6% 0.4% 0.1% 1.4% 0.6% 0.8% 0.1% 0.1% 2.5% 0.3%
Primary 0.5% 0.1% 0.4% - - - - - - 0.1% - - 0.1% - - - -
JHS - - 0.1% - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SHS - - 0.1% - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Vocational/ College
- - 0.3% - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
General Total
38.6% 7.8% 5.2% 6.7% 1.3%
0.9% 0.6% 0.4% 0.1% 1.5% 0.6% 0.8% 0.1% 0.1% 0.1% 2.5% 0.3%
74
CHAPTER 4
Conclusions and Recommendations
Chapter 4 looks at the conclusions and recommendations of the study.
I. Conclusion
Ghana is well positioned to promote the inclusion of PWDs. Disability Act 715
reformed the way of thinking in Ghana since most of policies take into account the
situation of PWDs and seeks to find a way of integrating them.
The government obligated itself, through its Constitution, to work with all its
financial and political capacity to care for the needs of marginalized and vulnerable
people, including PWDs.
The organizations and associations of PWDs should reinforce their advocacy and
execute a much needed opinion poll of PWDs as soon as possible.
Equally, the government should adopt policies and appropriate legal mechanisms to
integrate PWDs in the existing system. Further, allotment of adequate budget to
increase provision of services for the welfare of PWDs is also necessary.
Resource institutions such as non-government organizations should work closely
with PWD associations and organizations including government entities to improve
awareness of society on the problem being faced by PWDs.
75
II. Recommendations
The results of this study stem from the recommendations of PWDs during
discussion and community survey which should be taken for consideration:
To government To association/
federation of PWDs
To organizations
working with PWDs
Efficient implementation
of 2% common fund for
PWDs disbursement
Go all-out to disseminate
the promotion of welfare
and interest as member
Support the government
and associations of PWDs
to promote and sensitize
the people on the rights of
PWDs. This may either be
technical or funding
assistance or both
Provision of effective
health care for PWDs i.e.,
health insurance scheme,
monitoring and other
health programs for PWDs
Support the government
and organizations working
with PWDs
Facilitate provision of
special policy for PWDs
access to public buildings
and other infrastructures
Involve in community
rehabilitation of PWDs
Provision of sufficient
facility and equipment for
children with disabilities to
enable them to study
suitably
Develop public awareness
programmes or
information collaterals on
PWDs
Install clear policy to
employ or for employing
76
PWDs
Develop trained
government staff e.i.,
teachers, health
personnel, social workers
to provide extra care for
PWDs
Initiate and promote
preventive measures on
disability
Provision of rehabilitation
of PWDs
Assist the organization of
PWDs and other resource
institution working with
PWDs
The study showed that there is a greater degree of disability among illiterate
families due to lack of awareness on disability and the rights of persons with
disabilities. Other recommendations listed below:
1. Promotion of awareness on disabilities. Promotion of awareness through
intensified Information Education and Communication (IEC) Campaigns for all
segments of the population.
2. Peer Education among PWDs. Training of PWDs to train other PWDs about
their rights and capabilities.
3. Coverage of assistive devices for PWDs in the National Health
Insurance Scheme. Include assistive devices (e.g., crutches, callipers,
wheelchairs, white-canes, hearing aids) and rehabilitative operation
treatment in the coverage of NHIS.
77
CHAPTER 5
Institutions involved in disability work in Ghana
Chapter 5 aims to give description of the institutions/ organizations involved in
disability work in Ghana.
I. Organizations of persons with disabilities20
In Ghana, local associations provide for relief and assistance to persons with
disabilities. Their work mostly in advocacy, awareness raising and total integration
of PWDs in the society. They are also offering services to disabled people.
Ghana Federation of the Disabled
Ghana Federation of the Disabled (GFD) was established in 1987 as a national
umbrella organization of PWDs. The mission of GFD is “to create awareness about
the capacities and capabilities of PWDs and to promote the equalization of
opportunities of PWDs through advocacy, lobbying and collaboration with other
relevant agencies.”* To create this awareness, GFD educates executives of Ministry
Departments and government agencies about the Disability Law and other issues
concerning disability. GFD tries to strengthen its members at district level to enable
them to access the percentage of the common fund which is given out at through
the District Assemblies.
Ghana Association of the Blind
GAB was founded in 1963. Its mission is “to advocate for the blind, and work for
their total integration into society through the development of services in
education, rehabilitation, awareness creation and the promotion of the rights of
women, youth and children”. GAB raises public awareness about the need for
20
Ghana Federation of the Disabled website
78
inclusion of people with a visual impairment in the society; encourages parents to
send their children to school; sponsors children with a visual impairment to go to
school; and engages the civil society. Besides these activities GAB also educates
people with a visual impairment about their rights and encourages them to accept
their disability and to use their potentials.
Ghana National Association of the Deaf
The mission of GNAD is “to mobilize members, remove communication barriers,
create awareness on deaf issues, and advocate for equal opportunities for the
deaf”.
GNAD encourages self-employment for the hearing impaired and embarks on
income generating activities like batik, crop farming and citrus farming. GNAD
organizes workshops for its members to convince them that they are capable of
doing everything a person without a disability can do. It also encourages people
with a hearing impairment to get higher education to serve as a role model. GNAD
educates the public and parents about causes and prevention of deafness and the
capabilities of people with hearing impairments. GNAD has published a Deaf
Awareness Book which is spread to policy makers to make them aware of the
situation of people with hearing impairments.
Ghana Society of the Physically Disabled
GSPD was founded in 1980. It promotes the welfare of its members by creating
awareness of the capacities and capabilities of persons with physical disabilities
through advocacy and by lobbying for their rights. GSPD has a chalk factory where
persons with physical disabilities can work and organizes cultural activities and
sports tournaments for the physically disabled. GSPD has awareness-raising
programs for the public in communities, health centres and churches about the
capacities, needs and rights of PWDs and the challenges they meet in terms of
health, education and employment. Through radio shows PWDs inform the public
about their disability and people can call in and ask questions. GSPD also offers a
79
training program for persons with a physical disability to learn leadership skills and
to enable them to manage, advocate and lobby for their own rights.
Parents Association of Children with Intellectual Disability
PACID was established in September 2001 to give support to the many parents and
guardians of children having an intellectual disability in Ghana and also advocates
for policies and programmes that will serve their interest. PACID is made up of
parents, guardians, teachers, doctors and other professionals throughout Ghana.
The main objectives of PACID are to spread education, awareness and good news
about children with intellectual disability.
The activities of the branch of PACID in Ho are focused on organizing and
supporting parents and educating them how to handle and take care of their child
with an intellectual disability. Mothers are taught how to train their children in
eating, bathing and getting dressed so the children will be able to do things by
themselves. PACID Volta also encourages parents to get their children outside the
houses and gives education in communities and churches about intellectual
disabilities.
II. National and International Organization Working for PWDs
Both International and local organizations have strong dedication to support the
persons with disabilities. They work towards integrating PWDs in the mainstream of
societies.
World Vision21
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated
to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and
injustice.
21
World Vision Ghana website
80
Inspired by Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world‟s
most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity,
or gender.
World Vision is an international partnership of Christians whose mission is to follow
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in working with the poor and oppressed to
promote human transformation, seek justice, and bear witness to the good news of
the Kingdom of God.
Voluntary Service Overseas22
VSO is an international development agency that has been working in Ghana since
1958. VSO has been supporting PWDs as a priority area for over 10 years. The
organization aims to support and complement the effort of government and non-
governmental organizations to assist PWDs to realize their potential and claim their
rights as equal and active members of Ghanaian society.
VSOs approach to disability is based on the principles that (1) disability is a human
rights and a development issue and (2) disability in development is primarily about
promoting inclusive development. VSO aims to remove the barriers within society
that prevent PWDs from fully enjoying their human rights and to support people
with disabilities in exercising their rights and to promote their full inclusion and
active participation as equal members of their families, communities and societies.
Center for Democratic Development23
CDD is an independent research-based and policy-oriented think tank in Accra,
founded in 1998. It is dedicated to the promotion of democracy, good governance
and the development of a liberal political and economic environment in Ghana in
particular and Africa in general. In so doing, CDD-Ghana seeks to enhance the
22
Voluntary Service Overseas website 23 Attitudes towards People with Disabilities in Ghana
81
democratic content of public policy and to advance the cause of constitutionalism,
individual liberty, the rule of law, and integrity in public life.
Sightsavers24
Sightsavers works towards total elimination of the conditions that cause blindness
and the ultimate inclusion of blind people in society. The organization supports
people who are irreversibly blind by providing education, counselling and training.
Sightsavers has been working in Ghana since the 1950s and currently works in the
Western, Eastern, Volta and Greater Accra Region. Sightsavers Ghana is working
with the Ministry of Health to support the current five-year action plan for eye care
at both regional and national levels. Sightsavers also cooperates with the Ministry
of Education to enable children with a visual impairment to attend regular schools
in their community to enable them to grow up in their own environment and not be
cut off from their family. Sight Savers supports the Special Education Division with
logistics like teaching materials.
III. Special Schools and Rehabilitation Centres
Aside from the associations and organizations mentioned above, there are also
public centres that offer services to disabled people. The main ones are listed
below.
Dzorwulu Special School
It was started in 1968 by a non-governmental group called the Friends of the
Mentally Retarded. It became a public, government-funded school in 1970.
Admission to Dzorwulu is contingent upon additional assessment as well as
availability of openings. Further challenges to providing services at Dzorwulu
include the accommodation of diverse ethnic and linguistic backgrounds, curriculum
development, inadequate dormitory facilities and insufficient faculty and staff to
provide for a growing student body, and lack of government funding to finance
expansion.
24
Attitudes Towards Persons with Disabilities in Ghana
82
Autism Awareness Care and Training Centre (AACT)
The ACCT was founded in 1998 and became affiliated with the Global Autism Project
(GAP) in February, 2005 and currently operates, with funding from GAP, as a non-
governmental, non-profit organization. Challenges to providing services through
the AACT include particularly rigorous parent expectations in a third world country:
admission fees, provision of transportation and an attendant for their student, and
involvement in the PTA.
Edwenase Rehabilitation Centre for PWDS
It's a government institution under the Ministry of Social Welfare. The Centre was
established by the first President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah in 1958. The
Centre provides rehabilitation and vocational services to persons with disabilities
from age 13 and above. Currently, there are about 70 trainees in the Centre. The
Center can take about 300 trainees. Many PWDS who have trained in the Centre
became craft teachers in primary schools while majority of them are self employed.
83
List of Reference
Ghana Statistical Service, High Impact Rapid Delivery Supplementary Survey,
2007. Monitoring the situation of children and women, Upper East Region
Alexander Tetteh, Employment Challenges for People with Disabilities
Jacqueline Slikker, May 2009, Attitudes towards People with Disabilities in
Ghana
Rehabilitation Centre – Kumasi, Department of Social Welfare, powerpoint
presentation on disability
United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
Seven Hundred and Fifteenth Act of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana
entitled Persons with Disability Act 715, 2006
Fact Sheet, Rehabilitation International and World Institute on Disability
CRC Article 1, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child
Eleventh Five Year Plan, Towards Women‟s Agency and Child Rights
Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO)
Ghana Federation of the Disabled website, www.gfdgf.org
National Health Insurance Scheme, www.ghanaweb.com
84
Appendices
Appendix 1. List of personnel involved in the survey
Management Team
James A. Ayesake District Director, Department of Social
Welfare
Sergious Before World Vision, ADP-Bawku West
Monaliza V. Calapini Gender Development Advisor, VSO Volunteer/ Research Project Leader
Field Interviewers/ Researchers
James A. Ayesake Edward A. Akiribila
Monaliza V. Calapini Samuel Awinzor
Field Liasons
Solomon Ayaba Zebilla
Victor Ayambire
Hemidu Alaaba Saka/ Yikurugu/ Kobore
Siedu Adabogo
Akulobe Agesah Sapeliga/ Googo
Benjamin Atiah
Daniel Atiah Timonde/ Tanga
Monica Azougo
Robert Asaa Binaba/ Gbantongo
Samson Ayadago
Paul Apandago Tilli
Awagbilla Ndedago
Alekari Victor Zongoyire
Imoro Sumani
Alaldago Ayadago Teshie
Ayarik Adaabil Widnaba
Data Entry Listers/ Tabulators
Monaliza V. Calapini Edward A. Akiribila
Apanga A. Grace
Consultant/ Editor
Nancy Keith VSO Volunteer
Raj Kumar Prasad VSO Volunteer
Report Writer
Monaliza V. Calapini Gender Development Advisor, VSO Volunteer/ Research Project Leader
85
Appendix 2. Person with Disability Act 715, 2006
The Seven Hundred and Fifteenth Act of the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana
Entitled Persons with Disability Act, 2006, an Act to provide for persons with
disability, to establish a National Council on person with disability and to provide for
related maters. The Act on the Rights of Persons with Disability was assented on 9th
August 2011 and enacted by the President and Parliament.
Article 1: Right to family life and social activities
Section 1: A person with disability shall not be deprived of the right to live
with that person‟s family or the right to participate in social, political, economic,
creative or recreational activities.
Article 2: Differential treatment in respect of residence
Section 2: Except as otherwise required by the condition or the need for
improvement of a person with disability, a person shall not subject a person with
disability to differential treatment in respect of residence.
Article 3: Living conditions in specialized establishments
Section 3: Where a person with disability has to be put in a specialized
establishment, the environment and living conditions of the establishment shall,
except as otherwise required by the condition of the person with disability, be as
close as possible to those of a person without disability of the same age as the
person with disability.
Article 4: Exploitation of and discrimination against persons with disability
Section 4: (1) A person shall not discriminate against, exploit or subject a person
with disability to abusive or degrading treatment.
86
(2) An employer shall not discriminate against prospective employee
or an employee on grounds of disability unless the disability is in respect of the
relevant employment.
Article 5: Party to Judicial Proceedings
Section 5: Where a person with disability is a part in judicial proceedings, the
adjudicating body shall take into account the condition of the persons with disability
and provide appropriate facilities that enable the persons with disability to
participate effectively in the proceedings.
Article 6: Access to public place
Section 6: The owner or occupier of a place to which the public has access shall
provide appropriate facilities that make the place accessible to and available for use
by a person with disability.
Article 7: Access to public service
Section 7: A person who provides any service to the public shall put in place the
necessary facilities that make the service available and accessible to a person with
disability.
Article 8: Penalty for contravention
Section 8: A person who contravenes section 1,2,4,6 or 7 commits offence and is
liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifty penalty units or to a term
of imprisonment not exceedingly three month or to both.
87
The Education Policy for the Disabled Persons
Article 16: Education of a child disability
Section 16: (1) A parent, guardian or custodian of a child with disability of school
going age shall enroll the child in a school.
(2) A parent, guardian or custodian who contravenes subsection (1)
commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceedingly
ten penalty units, or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding fourteen days.
Article 17: Facilities and equipment in education institutions
Section 17: The Minister of Education shall by legislative Instrument designate
schools or institutions in each region which shall provide the necessary facilities and
equipment that will enable the persons with disability to fully benefit from the
school or institution.
Article 18: Free education and special schools
Section 18: The Government shall:
(a) Provide free education for a person with disability; and
(b) Establish special schools for persons with disability who by reason of
their disability cannot be enrolled in formal schools.
Article 19: Appropriate training for basic school graduates
Section 19: Where a person with disability has completed basic education but is
unable to pursue further formal education, the Ministry shall provide the person
with appropriate training.
Article 20: Refusal of admission on account of disability
Section 20: (1) A person responsible for admission into a school or other institution
of learning shall not refuse to give admission to a person with disability on account
of the disability unless the person with disability has been assesses by the Ministry
88
responsible for Education in collaboration with the Ministries responsible for Health
and Social Welfare to be a person who clearly requires to be in a special school for
children or person with disability.
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence
and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceedingly fifty penalty units or
imprisonment for a term not exceedingly three month or to both.
Article 21: Special education in technical, vocational and teacher training
institutions
Section 21: The Minister of Education shall by legislative instrument designate in
each region public technical, vocational and teacher training institutions which shall
include in their curricula special such as sign language and Braille writing and
reading.
Article 22: Library facility
Section 22: A public library shall as far as practical be fitted with facilities that will
enable a person with disability to use the library.
89
Health policies
Article 31: Medical treatment
Section 31: The Ministry of Health in formulating health policies shall provide for
free general and specialist medical care, rehabilitative operation treatment and
appropriate assistive devices for persons with total disability.
Article 32: Training of health professional
Section 32: The Ministry of Health shall include the study of disability and disability
related issues in the curricula of training institutions for health professionals to
develop appropriate human resources to provide general and specialized
rehabilitation services.
Article 33: Health programmes
Section 33: The Ministry of Health shall include education on disability and disability
issues in health care programmes.
Article 34: Periodic screening of children
Section 34: The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministries responsible
for Education and Social Welfare shall provide for the periodic screening of children
in order to detect, prevent and manage disability.
Article 35: Establishment of assessment centres
Section 35: The Ministry of Health in collaboration with District Assemblies and the
Ministry responsible for Social Welfare shall establish and operate health
assessment and resource centers in each district and provide early diagnostic
medical attention to mothers and infants to determine the existence or onset of
disability.
90
Employment Policy
Article 9: Public employment centres
Section 9: The Ministry shall through the public employment centres, assist to
secure jobs for persons with disability.
Article 10: Promotion of employment of persons with disabilities
Section 10: (1) The Government shall grant a person with disability an annual tax
rebate of the taxable income in respect of each person with disability employed as
shall be prescribed in Regulations made under this Act.
(2) The Government shall grant special incentives to persons with
disability engaged in business and also to business organizations that employ
person with disability.
Article 11: Provision of tools
Section 11: Required by the persons with disability for the efficient performance of
the functions required by the employment
Article 12: Posting, transfer and redeployment of persons with disability
Section 12: (1) An employer shall not post or transfer a person with disability to a
section or place of the establishment not suited for the person.
(2) Where a person n employment suffers a disability as a result of
the employment, the employer shall counsel, re-train and re-deploy the person to
another section more suited to the person with disability and this shall be in
addition to any other relief which the employee is entitled to under the Workmen‟s
Compensation Law, 1987 (PNDCL 187).
Article 13: Appropriate training for the unemployed person with disability
91
Section 13: (1) Where the name of a person with disability remains on a job search
list for more than two years, the Ministry shall take the name of that person off the
list, and where applicable:
d. give that person appropriate training
e. provide that person with necessary working tools and materials, and
f. assist that person to access loan capital for that person to start a
business.
(2) A person with disability who sells the tools or materials received
under subsection (1) and a person who buys the tools or materials given to a
person with disability under subsection (1) commits an offence and each person is
liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty
units o to a term of imprisonment not exceeding one year or to both.
Article 14: Rehabilitation centres
Section 14: (1) The Ministry shall progressively establish rehabilitation centres in
region and in districts for persons with disability
(2) A rehabilitation centres shall offer guidance, counseling and
appropriate training for person with disability who are unable to enter into the
mainstream of social life.
(3) A rehabilitation shall be provided wit the staff and other facilities
that are necessary for the performance of its functions.
Article 15: Community-based rehabilitation
Section 15: The Ministry shall ensure that as far as practicable person with
disability, shall be rehabilitated in their communities, to faster their integration.
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Other Policies
Article 34: Periodic screening of children
Section 34: The Ministry of Health in collaboration with the Ministries responsible
for education and Social Welfare shall provide for the periodic screening of children
in order to detect, prevent and manage disability.
Article 35: Establishment of Assessment Centers
Section 35: The Ministry of Health in collaboration with District Assemblies and the
Ministry responsible for Social Welfare shall establish and operate health
assessment and resource centres in each district and provide early diagnostic
medical attention to mothers and infants to be determine the existence onset of
disability.
Article 36: Incentive for Manufacturers of Technical Aids and Appliances
Section 36: A person who manufactures technical aids or appliances in the country
for the use of persons with disability shall be giving tax exemption that the
Ministries in consultation with the Minister for Finance may determine regulations.
Article 37: Derogatory names
Section 37: (1) A person shall not call a person with disability derogatory names
because of disability of the person
(2) A person who contravenes subsection (1) commits an offence
and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding fifteen penalty units or
to a term of imprisonment not exceeding three months or to both.
Article 38: Access to sporting event, festivals and cultural activities
Section 38: The Ministry responsible for Education and Sports, the district
assemblies and the National Commission for Culture shall as practicable ensure,
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through the provision of adequate facilities, programs and incentives, that person
wth disability have access to sports and cultural events.
Article 39: Participation in national activities
Section 39: A person or institution which organizes a national, regional or district
activity, shall as far as practicable ensure that facilities are made available for the
participation in the activity by persons with disability
Article 40: Law enforcement and persons with disability
Section 40: (1) Law enforcement agencies shall take into consideration a disability
of a person on arrest, detention, trial or confinement of the person and provide for
that person accordingly.
(2) Institutions for the training of law enforcement personnel, shall have
as part of their curricula, the study of disability and disability related
issues.
Article 41: Establishment of National Council on Persons with Disability
Section 41: There is established by this Act a body to be known as the National
Council on Persons with Disability.
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Appendix 3. Baseline Survey Tool
BASELINE STUDY ON THE STATUS, FAMILY AND SOCIO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN BAWKU WEST DISTRICT
Zone:……………………………..
Village:……………………………
SURVEY FORM #___
I. GENERAL INFORMATION: Name: ………………………………………………… Age: ……… Sex: ( ) Male ( ) Female Home Address: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Religion: …………………… Civil Status: …………… No. of Children: …………………… Current schooling status: ( ) In school ( ) Out of school What was the highest grade completed? ( ) Primary: ………. ( ) Junior High: ………. ( ) Senior High: …………… ( ) College/ University: ……………………………………………………........................... ( ) Vocational Education/ Training: …………………………………………………………… ( ) Others: ……………………………………………………………………………………….. If not studying or had stop in schooling, please state the reason: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Registered in Social Welfare Department?: ( ) No ( ) Yes If NO, please explain: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Do you have any health problems? ( ) None ( ) Yes If YES, please state your health problem/s and explain the effect in your activities in anyway: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Do you or any one else in the household have any long-standing illnesses, health problems or disabilities that limit your/ their activity or the kind of work that you/ they can do?
( ) None ( ) Yes
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If YES, please explain why: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Do you stay in your family house? ( ) No ( ) Yes If NO, please state where and why? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
II. NATURE, CAUSE AND TREATMENT OF DISABILITY/ IES
1. Nature of Disability/ ies: ( ) Visually Impaired ( ) Hearing Impaired ( ) Orthopedically handicapped ( ) Leprosy deformity ( ) Mental Illness ( ) Mental retardation ( ) Others (please specify): ……………………………………………
2. Cause of Disability/ies:
( ) Disability at birth ( ) Disability due to accident ( ) Disability due to old age ( ) Others (please specify):……………………………………………
3. Have you undergone treatment on your disability/ies? ( ) No ( ) Yes If YES, please state the treatment: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
III. EMPLOYMENT STATUS 1. Occupation:
( ) Employed (please state the work/ profession): …………………………… ( ) Self-employed (please state the work activity/ies): ………………………. ( ) Do not want ( ) Unable to work ( ) Would like to work but not available to start or not seeking ( ) Others (please specify)………………………………………………………
1. Do you have any personal relation to your employer? ( ) None ( ) Yes
If YES, how are you related to him/her? …………………………………………………
2. What is your employment status? ( ) Regular ( ) Seasonal ( ) Contractual ( ) Others (please specify): ………………………………………………
3. How long have you been employed? ………………………………………………….. 4. What do you do in your work? ………………………………………………………….. 5. Are you being paid for your work? ( ) No ( ) Yes
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If YES, how are you paid? ( ) Daily rate ( ) Weekly rate ( ) Monthly rate ( ) Others (please specify): ………………………………………………
6. How many hours of work do you render in a typical day? …………………………. 7. On average, how much do you receive in a month? ………………………………… 8. What are the benefits claimed from the employer?
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
IV. HOUSEHOLD ROSTER
1. Name of the household member? ……………………………………………………… 2. How is (THE NAME OF HH) related to the respondent? …………………………… 3. Is (NAME OF HH) male or female? ( ) Male ( ) Female 4. How old is (NAME OF HH MEMBER) now? ……………………………………………. 5. What is the religion of (NAME OF HH MEMBER)? …………………………………… 6. What is the main occupation of NAME OF HH MEMBER? …………………………. 7. What is the marital status of (NAME OF HH MEMBER?
( ) Single ( ) Married ( ) Widowed ( ) Separated
8. Current schooling status by (NAME OF HH MEMBER) ( ) In school ( ) Out of School ( ) Others (please specify): ……………………………………………………..
9. What was the highest grade that was completed by (NAME OF HH MEMBER)?
( ) Primary ( ) Junior High School ( ) Senior High School ( ) College ( ) Others (please specify):………………………………………………………
10. Any family members now living abroad? ( ) None ( ) Yes
If YES, please specify how is he/she related to the respondent: ……………………
11. Age ……………… 12. Sex: ( ) Male ( ) Female 13. Country:………… 14. Reason of staying abroad: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15. List of IMMEDIATE Family Members
Name of Family Members
Relationship Age Occupation Estimated Income per Month
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NOTE: Please use separate sheet if needed.
16. Do you have electricity? ( ) None ( ) Yes 17. Do you have your own water facility? ( ) None ( ) Yes
V. SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS
1. Please describe the home where you live: ( ) It is owned or being brought by you ( or someone in the household) ( ) Rented for money by you (or someone in the household) ( ) Occupied without payment ( ) Live with friends ( ) Live with family ( ) No permanent residence
2. Do you have any health care? ( ) None ( ) Yes If YES, how do you pay for your health care?: ( ) Government funding ( ) Private Insurance ( ) Self pay, out of pocket ( ) Others (please specify): ……………………………………………
VI. PROPERTIES/ MATERIALS OWNED
1. Appliances/ consumer durables? ( ) Television ( ) Gas range ( ) Radio/ Cassette ( ) Gas Stove ( ) Stereo ( ) Electric fan ( ) DVD/ VCD Player ( ) Couch Set ( ) Refrigerator ( ) Dining set ( ) Cellular phone ( ) Electric iron ( ) Others (please specify): …………………………………………………….
2. Livestock/ Poultry? ( ) Cow ( ) Fowl ( ) Horse ( ) Donkey ( ) Goat ( ) Guinea Fowl ( ) Other poultry (please specify): ………………………………………………
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3. Crops? ( ) Vegetable (please specify the type): ……………………………………… ( ) Grains ( please specify the type): ………………………………………… ( ) Fruit trees (please specify the type): ……………………………………… ( ) Root crops (please specify the type): ……………………………………. ( ) Others (please specify): …………………………………………………….
4. Vehicles? ( ) Bicycle ( ) Motorcycle ( ) Car ( ) Others (please specify):……………………………………………………
5. Land, how many hectares? Or square meters? ( ) More than 5 hectares ( ) 3 – 5 hectares ( ) 1 – 2 hectares ( ) Less than 1 hectare ( ) None
VII. SOCIO ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS 1. Number of household members, including the respondent: ……………………………
Number of males:……………………… Number of females: ……………
2. Household structure (household-common kitchen arrangements): ( ) Nuclear ( ) Extended
3. Number of children below 0 – 4 years old: ……………………………………… 4. Number of household members 5 – 14 yrs old: ………………………………… 5. Number of household members 15 -64 yrs old: ……………………………….. 6. Primary source of household income: …………………………………………..
VIII. ORGANIZATIONAL PARTICIPATION
1. Name of organization? …………………………………………………………………… 2. Position (If officer, please specify): ……………………………………………………. 3. How many years involve in the organization? ……………………………………… 4. Do you have any skills acquired during your membership? ( ) No ( ) Yes
If YES, what are the skills you acquired: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
IX. AWARENESS AND AVAILMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT ASSISTANCE/ PROGRAMS FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
1. Are you aware of laws, policies that are supportive of PWDs? ( ) No ( ) Yes If YES, what are these laws or policies? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
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2. What is/are your sources of information for these? ( ) Media ( ) District Assembly ( ) Neighbor/ Collegues ( ) Information materials eg. Posters, pamphlets etc. ( ) Others (please specify): …………………………… 3. Is there any support or services obtained from the local government? ( ) No ( ) Yes
If YES, please state the support acquired from the government: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4. Is there any allowance or financial support acquired from government or from other organization? ( ) None ( ) Yes If YES, please identify the institution and estimated amount received: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
X. GOVERNMENT ROLE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
1. What would you suggest to the local government how they can help PWD? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
2. What role do you like your municipality to perform in relation to the “outside world”, i.e.,the region and/or the country in general?
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3. What do you want your people (men and women) to be? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..… 4. What are your aspirations as a people? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5. What do you desire to be the state of your local economy? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
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6. What do you want to be the role of PWD in economic development? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7. What do you dream to be the condition of your District Assembly’s natural
environment? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8. What do you desire from your local government? …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9. What do you want to be the role of PWD in local governance? ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
XI. EMPOWERMENT
1. Do you desire to undergo skills training? ( ) Yes ( ) No If YES, what kind of skills would you like to learn?: ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2. Do you have a desire to return to formal education? ( ) Yes ( ) No If NO, why?: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3. Are you involve in any income generating activity? ( ) Yes ( ) No If YES, please specify: …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………………………… ADMINISTERED BY:
……………………………………………………. Date:………………………………………….......