The Clerk of the General Assembly, Rev. David Aboagye‑Danquah, says disability inclusion is not charity but “a theological mandate” the Presbyterian Church of Ghana must obey in its daily practice.
Speaking at the publicity launch of the PCG Disability Inclusion Initiative last week, he said inclusion must be visible “in our practices, in our planning, and in our strategic decisions,” insisting that the Church must move beyond symbolic gestures.
He called for practical accessibility across all congregations. “Our church buildings must have ramps, accessible washrooms, clear pathways and space for wheelchair users,” he said. He added that worship services should include sign‑language interpretation, and church documents must be printed in large fonts and accessible formats. He urged the Church to adopt innovative ways of providing information for visually impaired members.
Rev. Aboagye‑Danquah cautioned against preaching or teaching that equates disability with spiritual deficiency. Inclusion, he said, must also extend to leadership. “Let persons with disabilities serve as committee members, coordinators, Sunday school teachers and parish leaders—everywhere in church life,” he stated, calling for representation at all four decision‑making courts of the Church.
He appealed for fair employment practices in church institutions and encouraged families to embrace members with disabilities as full participants in worship, devotion and community life. Rev. Aboagye‑Danquah ended by urging the church to ensure that every action, policy and programme reflects genuine inclusion as the PCG works to build an accessible and compassionate church.
“Disability inclusion is not a favour we extend to others,” he stressed. “It is obedience to God, who created all persons in His image and placed us in communities where members have disabilities.” Quoting the global disability‑rights principle, he added: “Nothing about us without us. Whatever you want to do for persons with disabilities, let them be part of it. Involve them. Hear them.”
By Jerome Otchere
