In a heartwarming demonstration of commitment to inclusivity, former Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection Dakoa Newman is championing a brighter, more accessible future for all Ghanaians. During her annual celebration with persons with disabilities at the Ghana Society for the Socially Disadvantaged, Newman outlined an inspiring vision for communities where everyone can participate fully.

The former minister is encouraging district assemblies to ensure that all new buildings meet disability-friendly design standards before issuing permits—a practical step that could transform daily life for thousands of Ghanaians. While acknowledging that laws already exist to support accessibility, Newman sees tremendous opportunity in strengthening enforcement to create truly welcoming spaces for all.

"The municipalities have a wonderful opportunity to make a real difference," Newman emphasized, noting that ensuring proper accessibility features like disability-friendly bathrooms should be a standard part of the approval process for all new construction projects.

What makes Newman's advocacy particularly inspiring is her broader vision of integration and inclusion. Rather than viewing persons with disabilities as needing separate facilities, she celebrates their ability to thrive alongside everyone else in mainstream society. Her message is clear and hopeful: with the right support and accessible infrastructure, persons with disabilities can participate fully in all aspects of community life, from education to employment.

"Many individuals currently in specialized institutions are more than capable of succeeding in regular schools with just a little assistance," Newman shared, highlighting the untapped potential that proper integration could unlock.

The celebration itself was a joyful occasion, with Newman donating items to individuals at the institution and recognizing outstanding students across various departments. These moments of recognition shine a light on the remarkable achievements happening every day.

The institution's administrator spoke enthusiastically about their skills development programs, sharing success stories that demonstrate how training and opportunity are transforming lives. These programs are empowering persons with disabilities with valuable skills and renewed confidence in their abilities.

Perhaps the most moving testimony came from Victoria Martey, the top student in the Fashion Department. Her journey represents the transformative power of support and opportunity. Victoria candidly shared that she once doubted her potential because of her disability, but the institution helped her discover her talents and reimagine her future. Her story is a powerful reminder that when we create inclusive environments and provide proper support, everyone can flourish.

Newman's advocacy represents more than just a call for better buildings—it's a vision for a society that recognizes and nurtures the potential in every person. By ensuring that physical spaces are accessible to all, Ghana can take meaningful steps toward becoming a model of inclusion where disability is simply one aspect of human diversity, not a barrier to participation.

As construction continues across the country, this push for accessibility standards offers an exciting opportunity to build a more welcoming Ghana from the ground up—one where every person, regardless of ability, can enter any building, access any service, and pursue any dream.