Closing the mobile disability gap in Ghana: Insights and recommendations

GSMA published a report on the mobile disability gap in Ghana where persons with disabilities are 34% less likely to own a mobile phone and significantly less likely to own a smartphone than non-disabled persons. The report, which examines the data for persons with disabilities and non-disabled persons, as well as data among persons with different types of disabilities, has found significant differences in these areas: 1) ownership of mobile devices; 2) awareness and use of mobile internet; 3) the barriers to ownership and usage; 4) awareness of accessibility features; and, and 5) the value of mobile for persons with disabilities in key activities and accessing important services. In this regard, it highlighted that while mobile has significant value for persons with disabilities, the biggest barriers to owning a mobile phone reported by persons with disabilities are the disability itself, followed by the cost of a handset and reading and writing difficulties. The report further pinpoints key recommendations on how to close the mobile disability gap in Ghana and provides evidence for stakeholders to overcome the barriers to digital inclusion and ensure no one is left behind in an increasingly digital society.