The District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting the welfare and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), announcing a substantial increase in funding as Ghana commemorates the National Day of Persons with Disabilities and the 20th anniversary of the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715).
Under a new government directive, the allocation to the Disability Fund will increase from 3 percent to 5 percent of the District Assemblies Common Fund beginning in 2026.
As a result, the approved formula is expected to raise the Disability Fund allocation to an estimated GHS438.5 million in 2026, representing a significant increase from the GHS225.3 million allocated in 2025.
The fund is intended to support more than 2.1 million Ghanaians living with disabilities, who constitute approximately eight percent of the country’s population.
In a statement marking the occasion, the Administrator of the DACF, Mr. Harry Yamson, described the anniversary as an important opportunity to advance the implementation of disability rights and inclusion policies.
“For too long, our law has spoken more clearly on paper than in the daily lives of persons with disabilities,” he said.
According to Mr. Yamson, the milestone should serve as a call to action to complete outstanding reforms and fully realise the vision of meaningful inclusion of persons with disabilities in national development.
He stressed that people living with disabilities seek equal opportunities, dignity and accessibility rather than sympathy, adding that the increased allocation demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing their needs.
The DACF Administrator noted that, under Article 252 of the Constitution, the Fund remains the principal mechanism through which national resources are channelled to Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to support development initiatives, including disability-related interventions at the community level.
Mr. Yamson also announced a shift in the management of the Disability Fund, with greater emphasis on sustainable investments that promote long-term independence and empowerment for beneficiaries.
These interventions will include the provision of assistive devices, skills training, start-up capital for businesses, accessible infrastructure and educational support.
He explained that direct cash assistance would be limited to specific and verifiable needs such as medical expenses, medication and special school fees, supported by appropriate documentation.
The Administrator further called on all Local Government Authorities to ensure transparent, accountable and needs-based disbursement of the Fund in collaboration with the National Council on Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) and district-level fund management committees.
He urged Assemblies to submit regular reports on the utilisation of the Disability Fund to the NCPD to facilitate effective monitoring and evaluation.
Mr. Yamson also encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the support provided through the Fund productively in order to improve their livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The announcement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen social protection and promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in Ghana’s economic and social life.
