On 27 October 2022, the British Council, on behalf of the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK (CSC), held an online alumni workshop exploring the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport. The event aimed to promote disability inclusion in sport and discuss the challenges and solutions to reduce inequality and advance equality, diversity and inclusion.
The workshop opened with a welcome address followed by a panel discussion. Panellists included: Henry Larbi, Principal of Br Tarcisius Prosthetics and Orthotics Training College Ghana, representing the Ministry of Youth and Sports Ghana (MYOS); Mary Nartey, Director, Human Rights Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ); Rita Kyeremaa, Executive Director, Ghana Federation of Disability Organisations (2010 Professional Fellow).
The panel highlighted the importance of inclusive policies in enabling the participation of people with disabilities in sport. In discussing the role of the MYOS, Henry Larbi addressed the barriers impeding disability inclusion and the importance of the National Sports Authority of Ghana (NSA) in supporting increased participation of people living with disabilities in sport. He highlighted achievements already made in this area, such as the representation of Ghanaian athletes at the Paralympic Games from 2012 onwards.
In her contributions, panellist Mary Nartey raised the role of the government and legislation in providing greater opportunities and access for people with disabilities in sport. She shared that low awareness of the bill of rights amongst people with and without disabilities was a barrier to inclusion and recommended the need for further promotion of the bill of rights. The panel also recommended that government agencies prioritise budget allocation for people with disabilities and for disability representatives to be included in policy making.
In concluding the discussion, panellists reiterated the importance of collaboration across government and non-government agencies in achieving disability inclusion in sport in Ghana. The panel discussion was followed by a Q&A session.
You can read more about the ways in which Commonwealth Alumni are promoting the potential of sport to advance equality, diversity and representation through the 2022 Alumni Community Engagement Fund.
