Advocate for total inclusion
The Ghana Blind Union (GBU) is a non-religious, non-partisan not-for-profit nationwide Organization. GBU is an amalgamation of the Ghana Society for the Blind (established in 1951 as the then Gold Coast Society for the Blind and Ghana Association of the Blind (established in 1963. The two Organizations merged in 2010 and the Ghana Blind Union was born.
GBUis one of the oldest and largest local non-governmental organizations for persons with disability in Ghana. Currently, the GBU has 218 district branches strewn through-out all sixteen administrative regions in Ghana. It also has a total membership of 23,920 persons out of which 48% are women.
It is registered as a company limited by guarantee and registered and recognized by the Department of Social Welfare. GBU is a member of the Ghana Federation of Disability Organizations, the Africa Union of the Blind and the World Blind Union as well as the International Council for the Education of all Visually Impaired Persons.
The GBU is also recognized both nationally and internationally as the voice of all blind persons in Ghana.
Our vision
A just society where blind and partially sighted persons have equal rights and opportunities to lead decent and productive lives.
Our mission
To advocate the total inclusion of blind and partially sighted persons in society through awareness raising, services in education, training and rehabilitation.
Our membership
We have a total membership of 23,920 persons out of which 48% are women.
Our Core Principles
- Dignity and respect as a unique individual;
- Protection from harm;
- A voice that is heard;
- Rights, as for all in society;
- Independence to the greatest degree possible.
All principles are in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Structure of GBU
The GBU is governed by its constitution.
It is made up of two main sections, the Political/membership division which is organized through district and regional councils. There is the National Executive Council which has the unique quality of both regional representation and non-blind professionals which include; a Chartered Accountant, Auditor, Journalist, and Entrepreneur. Membership of these councils is through election.
Additionally, there is the Administrative division which has a secretariat and is headed by an Executive Director who leads a team of professionals which include; Programme Managers, an Accounts section, office and project staff. This is done under policy direction from the National Executive Council. GBU undergoes a mandatory annual audit. The audit report is presented to the membership at the biennial National congress of the GBU.
The highest decision-making body of the GBU is the National Congress which among other things, is responsible for election of National Officers once every four (4) years, and which meets every other year.
The National Congress is constituted by three National Officers, Chairpersons of each Region of Ghana, four (4) delegates from each region, Presidents of the women, sports and youth wings along with four delegates from each wing, seven non-blind members and the Executive Director as an ex-officio member.