By Daniel Bampoe
Suhum Member of Parliament, Frank Asiedu Bekoe, popularly known as Protozoa, has joined a delegation of Ghanaian lawmakers and disability rights advocates at the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties (COSP19) to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) at the United Nations Headquarters.
The three-day conference, held from June 9 to June 11, 2026, brought together government representatives, parliamentarians, civil society organizations, development partners, and disability rights activists from around the world to review progress made under the Convention and chart a new course for advancing disability rights globally.
The conference was held under the overarching theme, “The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities at 20: Celebrating and Consolidating Achievements and Shaping the Next Phase of Implementation in a Changing World.”
The event marked two decades since the adoption of one of the world’s most important international human rights instruments dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights of persons with disabilities.
Frank Asiedu Bekoe’s participation comes at a time when he has increasingly positioned himself as a strong advocate for disability inclusion and social protection.
In recent months, the Suhum MP has represented the Parliamentary Caucus on Persons with Disabilities at several national and international forums, consistently calling for stronger legal protections, equal opportunities, and greater participation of persons with disabilities in national development.
The conference opened with high-level addresses from leading global figures, including António Guterres, representatives of the President of the United Nations General Assembly, members of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, civil society leaders, and youth advocates.
Delegates also participated in the election of members to the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and engaged in a general debate on the implementation of the Convention.
One of the key areas of discussion focused on creating a world free from exploitation, violence, and abuse against persons with disabilities. Experts from various countries shared experiences and strategies aimed at strengthening protection mechanisms and ensuring that persons with disabilities can live in safety and dignity.
Another major session examined the need to build resilient societies by strengthening care and support systems that promote empowerment, independence, and autonomy for persons with disabilities.
The conference also devoted significant attention to enhancing political participation and representation for persons with disabilities.
Delegates discussed ways to improve accessible civic engagement, leadership opportunities, and advocacy platforms to ensure that persons with disabilities are fully represented in public life and decision-making processes.
