The Network says recognising the importance of children with disabilities in decision making at homes and various levels of governance strengthened the rights and potentials of the children. 

Mr Godsway Mensah, Programme Manager, GRAY Network during a Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Dialogue Session in Hohoe, said it was important to meet stakeholders to discuss the importance of inclusive care and education for children with disabilities. 

He said parents and caregivers must recognise that children with disabilities had the same rights and potential as other children and should not be deprived of the opportunity to make inputs to decisions, especially ones that affected them. 

He said after series of meetings with the children, it was evident that children with disabilities often received inadequate care and were denied access to education, hindering their development and potential. 

Mr Mensah urged stakeholders especially parents to prioritise their children’s education and well-being, just as they would for their children who were not disabled peers. 

He noted that the efforts of duty bearers, especially traditional authorities, would also strengthen the rights of the children by creating a conducive environment where the children could grow and flourish, regardless of their abilities. 

Mr Mensah also advised the children to exhibit acceptable behaviours wherever they found themselves and willingly offer inputs that would inure to their benefits in the home and at community levels at large. 

He said the Network remained committed to working with local authorities and stakeholders to promote inclusive governance and support for children with disabilities with the aim that every child had access to quality education and growth opportunities.