By Gloria Anderson
Parents and caregivers of persons with disabilities have inaugurated a new umbrella body aimed at amplifying their voices in national policy formulation and strengthening support systems for families.
The Association of Parents and Caregivers of Persons with Disabilities was officially introduced at an inception meeting and workshop held on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the Sunlodge Hotel, with support from the Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (GFD).
Speaking at the event, the president of the association, Mrs Hannah Awadzi, said the formation of the group marks the beginning of a united movement to ensure parents and caregivers are represented at policy decision-making levels. She explained that the association seeks to bring together parent-led and caregiver-led organisations to advocate inclusive policies that reflect the lived realities of families caring for persons with disabilities.
Mrs Awadzi noted that parents and caregivers continue to face challenges including limited resources, social stigma and weak support structures, stressing that unity remains the strongest tool to address these issues collectively.
She outlined the association’s advocacy vision, which includes promoting inclusive policies, strengthening family support systems and fostering communities that embrace and celebrate persons with disabilities.
As part of activities marking the inception, Mrs Awadzi announced a community outreach programme to Dodowa, where a parent-centred inclusion model has been established with the support of professionals. The initiative includes a daycare centre that employs and trains parents and caregivers as professional care workers, offering them dignity and fair compensation.
The association, in collaboration with the Inclusive Family Alliance, will on Saturday, December 20, donate foodstuffs and essential items to the Dodowa caregiver community, a gesture Mrs Awadzi described as a demonstration of solidarity rather than charity.
She called on parents, caregivers and partner organisations to work together, noting that no single organisation can achieve inclusive advocacy alone.
The event brought together officials of the GFD, parents, caregivers, development partners and disability advocates, who pledged their support towards building a stronger and more inclusive future for families of persons with disabilities.
