By Hannah Awadzi
Accra, April 2 - Mr. Auberon Jeleel Odoom, who serves as the National Coordinator for Inclusion Ghana and also holds the position of Secretary-General at the Africa Disability Forum, suggests establishing autonomous oversight bodies to monitor governmental pledges, implement disability legislation, and guarantee efficient utilization of allocated resources.
He similarly recommended open and clear interactions between donors and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), making sure that funding focuses match actual requirements.
Mr. Odoom participated in a discussion panel at the Global Disability Summit (GDS) 2025, where they addressed the topic titled "Reduced Assistance and Ensuring Accessibility for Disabled Individuals."
The Global Disability Summit is currently taking place in Berlin, Germany.
The Global Disability Summit seeks to inspire worldwide initiatives for achieving disability inclusion globally.
This mechanism convenes numerous top-tier participants from various sectors to address and deliberate on advancements in disability inclusion. These include government bodies, international organizations, businesses, academic institutions, non-governmental entities, groups representing individuals with disabilities, and philanthropic funds.
Mr. Odoom, who attended the summit, informed the Ghana News Agency about the necessity for sustained technical assistance to ensure fair competition.
Mr. Odoom stressed that partnerships should enhance, rather than overshadow, the voices of marginalized OPDs, advocating for financial management, governance, and advocacy training to bolster the autonomy of OPDs.
He emphasized the importance of transitioning from short-term, project-specific financing to flexible, multi-year core funding, ensuring the OPD’s steadiness and lasting effect.
He urged donors to employ individuals with disabilities within their organizations and ensure they are consulted to develop funding strategies and disability-inclusive policies.
GNA
HA/LKA