The District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) has declared a significant increase in funding for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), elevating the allocation from an estimated GH¢225.3 million in 2025 to GH¢438.5 million in 2026, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715).
This increase is the result of a government directive to raise the Disability Fund allocation from 3% to 5% starting in 2026, a strategic initiative aimed at bolstering support for over 2.1 million Ghanaians with disabilities, who constitute approximately 8% of the population.
In a statement released to honor the National Day of Persons with Disabilities and the anniversary of the legislation, DACF Administrator Harry Yamson characterized this milestone as a chance to expedite efforts toward the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in national development.
“For too long, our law has been more eloquent on paper than in the everyday lives of persons with disabilities,” Mr. Yamson remarked.
“This anniversary serves as a reminder to complete what we initiated, to finalize the long-awaited reforms, and to fully realize the vision for the inclusion of PWDs in national development. Behind every statistic lies an individual who seeks not sympathy, but dignity, as well as equal and accessible opportunities.”
Mr. Yamson emphasized that the DACF remains committed to government policy and national development objectives, highlighting that the Fund, established under Article 252 of the 1992 Constitution, acts as a vital mechanism for directing resources to district assemblies and fostering inclusion at the local level.
He stated that the Fund is transitioning from providing one-time cash payments to making long-term investments aimed at enhancing the lives of beneficiaries.
These investments encompass the distribution of assistive devices, skills development training, start-up funding for businesses, the creation of accessible infrastructure, and educational assistance.
He noted that direct cash support will be restricted to specific and verifiable requirements, such as medical expenses, medications, and fees for special education, with beneficiaries expected to present supporting documentation.
Mr. Yamson also urged Local Government Authorities to guarantee that the disbursement of funds is transparent, accountable, and based on actual needs, in partnership with the National Council on Persons with Disabilities and district-level fund management committees.
Additionally, he called on assemblies to provide monthly reports regarding the use of the disability fund to enable effective monitoring and evaluation.
“Let this 20th anniversary mark a pivotal moment where we collectively transition from legislation to enforcement, from Act to action,” he remarked.
The DACF indicated that the increased funding allocation signifies a renewed dedication to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have access to opportunities and support systems that foster dignity, independence, and meaningful engagement in society.
