The District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) has announced a significant increase in the Disability Fund Allocation, raising support for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) from an estimated GH¢225.3 million in 2025 to GH¢438.5 million in 2026.
The increase comes as Ghana marks the 20th anniversary of the Persons with Disabilities Act, 2006 (Act 715), and follows a government directive to increase the allocation to the Disability Fund from 3 percent to 5 percent beginning next year.
According to the DACF, the enhanced funding is intended to strengthen support for more than 2.1 million Ghanaians living with disabilities, representing approximately eight percent of the country's population.
In a statement issued to commemorate the National Day of Persons with Disabilities and the landmark anniversary of the legislation, DACF Administrator Harry Yamson described the occasion as an opportunity to accelerate efforts toward full inclusion and empowerment.
“For too long, our law has spoken more clearly on paper than in the daily lives of persons with disabilities,” Mr. Yamson stated.
He added that the anniversary should serve as a catalyst for action, saying, “This anniversary is a call to finish what we began to complete the long awaited reforms and to give full effect to the vision for the inclusion of PWDs in national development.”
Mr. Yamson emphasized that people living with disabilities seek dignity and equal opportunities rather than sympathy.
Shift Towards Long Term Support
The DACF Administrator revealed that the Fund is moving away from one time cash disbursements and focusing on sustainable interventions that can improve livelihoods and promote independence.
These interventions include assistive devices, vocational and skills training, educational support, start up capital for businesses and the provision of accessible infrastructure.
Direct cash assistance, he explained, will be restricted to verified needs such as medical treatment, medication and special school fees, with beneficiaries required to provide supporting documentation.
Mr. Yamson urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure transparent and needs based disbursement of the funds in collaboration with the National Council on Persons with Disabilities and district fund management committees.
He also called for regular reporting on fund utilisation to strengthen monitoring and accountability.
“Let this 20th anniversary be the turning point at which we move, together, from legislation to enforcement, from Act to action,” he said.
The DACF noted that the increased Disability Fund Allocation reflects government’s renewed commitment to creating opportunities and support systems that promote dignity, independence and meaningful participation for persons with disabilities in national development.
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