The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has directed all Regional Directors of Health to take immediate steps to enhance disability-friendly healthcare services nationwide, with compliance set to influence performance evaluations.

In a directive issued by Acting Director-General, Prof. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, the GHS outlined key measures aimed at improving accessibility and inclusivity for persons with disabilities in healthcare facilities.

This initiative follows discussions with Regional Directors on February 13, 2025, where the urgent need for disability-friendly facilities was emphasized. Subsequently, GHS engaged with the National Disability Council and the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations to formulate strategies for strengthening rehabilitation services and implementing critical modifications in hospitals.

Citing Section 33 of the Disability Act, the directive underscores the legal responsibility of health institutions to provide equal access to healthcare for persons with disabilities. Structural adjustments, priority care for individuals with disabilities, and the provision of sign language interpreters are among the mandated improvements.

To drive these reforms, Regional Directors have been instructed to activate and strengthen existing structures, ensure functional social welfare offices, update peer review checklists to incorporate inclusivity measures, and reorient disability focal persons at both regional and district levels.

Prof. Akoriyea stressed that compliance with these directives will be closely monitored and reflected in performance assessments, reinforcing GHS’s commitment to equitable healthcare access for all.