The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has launched its Disability Policy and inaugurated a National Committee on Disability, with a call on all members to make disability inclusion an integral part of the Church’s holistic ministry.

The initiative seeks to promote the full participation of persons with disabilities in all aspects of church life and governance.

Reverend David Aboagye Danquah, Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, called on all levels of the Church, from the General Assembly to local congregations, to embrace inclusion not only in principle but also in practice.

He urged congregations to ensure accessibility in church infrastructure through the provision of ramps, accessible washrooms, and other disability-friendly facilities.

Rev Danquah also advocated sign language interpretation during church services, the production of large-print bulletins and the development of innovative programmes that respond to the diverse needs of persons with disabilities.

He cautioned against the use of language in preaching and teaching that associated disability with sin, curses, or personal deficiency.

“Persons with disabilities must serve as Presbyters, Committee Chairpersons, Coordinators, Sunday School Teachers, Choristers, leaders in every sphere of church life,” Rev Danquah said.

“Disability inclusion is not a favour we extend to others; it is an act of obedience to the God who created all persons in His Image.”

Mrs Gertrude Oforiwa Fefoame, National Focal Person on Disability, acknowledged the logistical and financial challenges associated with implementing the policy but stressed the need for deliberate investments across all levels of the Church.

She appealed to every court of the Church to make budgetary allocations towards disability inclusion initiatives.

“Building the capacity of the Church at all the courts, irrespective of how it is done, will require a dedicated budget from each court. We therefore appeal for this to be made an intentional investment by each court,” she added.

Mrs Fefoame outlined key implementation strategies, including the establishment of Disability Committees in all Presbyteries, cascading training, data collection, and the submission of six-monthly progress reports.

She also announced plans to institute a Presbyterian observance of the National Week of Disability.

Reverend Andrew Shardow, National Director of the Department of Church Life and Nurture (CLAN), said persons with disabilities had historically faced various forms of exclusion and injustice, a situation that must not continue.

He noted that the Church’s commitment to holistic ministry required deliberate efforts to ensure the inclusion of all persons, regardless of disability status.

“The Presbyterian Church pursues holistic ministry, and as a church we must be intentional in pursuing the inclusion of persons with disabilities,” he said.

Rev Shardow said the Church recognised the dignity and worth of persons with disabilities and urged all Presbyterians to adopt disability-friendly attitudes and practices.

Reverend Ebenezer Acheampong Asiedu, National Chairperson of the Committee on Disability, said the committee would work to ensure the active and structural inclusion of persons with disabilities within the Church.

“We will raise a prophetic voice against stigma, discrimination and societal barriers,” he declared.

Rev Asiedu called for the dismantling of theological misconceptions surrounding disability and encouraged pastors to use their pulpits to promote messages of inclusion, acceptance and equal participation.

He further urged church leaders to ensure that worship spaces remained welcoming and accessible to all.