Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s DSS promotes full participation of persons with disabilities in church activities through new policy

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana’s Department of Social Services (DSS) has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring the full participation of persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all church activities through the implementation of its disability policy. This initiative aims to foster inclusivity and representation, ensuring that PWDs are not only present but actively involved in the church’s decision-making processes and community activities.

Ms Jedidiah Abanga, an official within the DSS, emphasized that the policy was crafted to guarantee that PWDs are adequately represented and engaged in the church’s operations. She highlighted the establishment of a National Committee on Disability under the Department of Church Life and Nurture, which is tasked with leading efforts to promote disability inclusion and safeguard the interests of PWDs within the church.

Abanga made these remarks during a seminar organized by the Department of Church Life and Nurture in Kumasi, where members of the church’s disability committee gathered. The event provided a platform for discussing disability-related challenges and strategies to enhance inclusion within the church’s structure.

The seminar aimed to equip all church agents with the necessary training on disability issues, enabling them to create an environment that supports the full participation of PWDs. This training is crucial for the effective implementation of the policy and the promotion of an inclusive church community.

Participants from various presbyteries engaged in discussions on disability inclusion, exploring ways to integrate disability considerations into all levels of church life. The goal is to build a church that is disability-friendly and offers equal opportunities to all members, regardless of ability.

The initiative reflects a broader effort within the Presbyterian Church of Ghana to address the needs of PWDs and ensure their voices are heard and valued within the church’s community. This commitment aligns with the church’s values of care, justice, and service to all people.

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