Assessing the inclusion of persons with disabilities in climate adaptation policy planning in Ghana: a document review

Climate change disproportionately affects persons with disabilities (PWDs), yet adaptation policies persistently neglect their specific needs. This study examines the integration of climate justice into adaptation policies affecting PWDs from 2011 to 2022, applying Schlosberg’s framework of distributional, procedural, and recognitional justice. Findings reveal critical gaps across all three dimensions: PWDs are systematically excluded from policy-making processes (procedural); no targeted resources are allocated for disability-specific adaptation (distributional); and PWDs are subsumed under broad “vulnerable groups” categories rather than recognized explicitly (recognitional). These omissions reinforce systemic inequalities and undermine inclusive climate resilience. The study argues that policymakers must adopt rights-based, inclusive approaches ensuring PWDs’ active participation, dedicating disability-specific funding, and strengthening disaggregated data collection to advance equitable and effective climate adaptation.