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In a moment of national recognition, disability rights advocate, Mr. Yaw Ofori-Debra was conferred with the prestigious Order of the Volta award by Ghana’s President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, at a ceremony held in Accra on 30th December, 2024.
Mr. Ofori-Debra has long been a champion for the rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Ghana. His unwavering dedication to advancing the cause of inclusion, equal opportunities, and access to resources has garnered widespread respect and admiration from both local and international communities.
The Order of the Volta, a high national honour, was awarded to Mr. Ofori Debra in recognition of his exceptional contributions to the welfare of PWDs across Ghana and beyond.
President Akufo- Addo decorating Mr Yaw Ofori-Debra with the prestigious Order of the Volta Award
Several Ghanaians who have excelled in their respective fields over the years were celebrated with national honours at the ceremony. The awards were to recognize their outstanding service, hard work, sacrifices, and contributions to national development.
Among the recipients was Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who was honoured with the prestigious Order of the Star of Ghana – Officer Award, the highest distinction of the year.
In his address, President Akufo-Addo lauded Mr. Ofori-Debra for his tireless efforts in breaking down societal barriers, advocating for policy changes, and empowering persons with disabilities to participate fully in every aspect of life.
The ceremony, attended by distinguished guests, policymakers, and leaders from various sectors, celebrated Mr. Ofori-Debra’s continued impact. He has played an instrumental role in shaping Ghana’s disability rights policies,working closely with organizations and government institutions to ensure better representation and access for disabled persons.
Yaw Ofori-Debra is known for his significant contributions to improving the rights and opportunities of persons with disabilities (PWDs).
His key achievements include advocating for the passage of Disability Law, Act 715, securing government bursaries for students with disabilities, ensuring monthly transport and guide allowances for public sector workers with disabilities, and establishing National Disability Day.
Mr Ofori-Debra also lobbied for long-term donor funding for disability organizations and initiated the National Disability Summit to facilitate stakeholder collaboration.
In recognition of his efforts, Ofori-Debra received the Martin Luther King Award for Peace and Social Justice in 2018. He has held leadership roles in several disability organizations, including the Ghana Blind Union, Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations (GFD), and the African Union of the Blind. He currently serves as the Second Vice President of the World Blind Union.
Under his leadership, GFD formed Parliamentary and Media Caucuses on disability to advocate for disability inclusion and rights. He also facilitated GFD’s admission into the Trades Union Congress in 2023. Ofori-Debra continues to influence global disability advocacy through his participation in international forums.
Following the award, Mr. Ofori Debra expressed his gratitude, dedicating the recognition to all the persons with disabilities who continue to strive for a better future despite the challenges they face.
Mr. Ofori-Debra’s recognition by the President emphasizes the importance of social justice and equal opportunities, marking a milestone in the nation’s ongoing efforts to create an inclusive society for all its citizens.
As the nation celebrates this well-deserved recognition, it serves as a reminder of the importance of continuing the fight for equality and social inclusion for persons with disabilities. Mr. Ofori Debra’s dedication remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for many.
Mr Yaw Ofori Debra with the Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia
The National Honours and Awards is a prestigious national ceremony that honours citizens who have rendered distinguished services to Ghana in various fields. The award was instituted in 1960 to recognize Ghanaians who have made significant contributions to national development in diverse disciplines, celebrating creativity, innovation, excellence, and hard work.
The first ceremony took place in 1960 when Ghana became a Republic under the leadership of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. Since then, the initiative has become a key tradition in recognizing deserving individuals and foreign nationals.
By: Mohammed Suleman/ Publicagenda.news
