The Coalition of Unemployed Graduates with Disabilities has issued a one-week ultimatum to the government. They demand the immediate employment of their qualified members who were excluded from the recent Ghana Education Service (GES) recruitment exercise. The group warns of an indefinite peaceful occupation of the Jubilee House, the Ministry of Finance, and the GES headquarters if their demands are not met by the deadline.
This ultimatum follows the GES recruitment of approximately 7,000 teachers, from which the coalition claims none of its 200 verified qualified members received employment. The coalition accuses the Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service of disregarding the government's commitment to reserve at least 5% of public sector jobs for persons with disabilities. This alleged exclusion contradicts assurances from education authorities that the quota would be implemented.
This situation highlights a recurring challenge in Ghana's labour market regarding inclusivity for persons with disabilities. Despite the Persons with Disability Act, 2006 (Act 715) and various international commitments, employment opportunities for this demographic remain limited. The government's stated policy of a 5% quota for public sector jobs aims to address this, but its implementation appears inconsistent, leading to frustration among qualified individuals.
Gilbert Boateng Agyare, Convener for the Coalition, stated, "We suspended our earlier protests in good faith after government officials assured us that unemployed graduates with disabilities would be systematically absorbed into the public workforce. Instead, we have been systematically deceived." This statement underscores a deep sense of betrayal among the group, who feel their trust in government assurances has been violated. The coalition argues that if the 5% quota had been applied to the 7,000 teacher recruitments, at least 350 positions should have gone to qualified persons with disabilities.
The immediate implication of this ultimatum is the potential for significant public protests in Accra, targeting key government institutions. This could draw considerable media attention and put pressure on the government to respond directly to the coalition's demands. Decision-makers will need to address the allegations of systemic discrimination and the failure to implement the 5% employment quota. The Ministry of Education and the Ghana Education Service face scrutiny over their recruitment processes and adherence to national policies on disability inclusion.
Beyond immediate employment, the coalition also demands the dismissal of the Minister for Education and the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service. They accuse these officials of failing to implement the President's directive on the employment quota. The group further urges the President to direct the Minister for Finance to grant financial clearance for the recruitment of qualified graduates with disabilities into other public institutions. These include the Local Government Service, Civil Service, and the Ghana Revenue Authority, indicating a broader demand for inclusive employment across the public sector.
The coalition's actions are rooted in both domestic and international legal frameworks. They cite violations of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Sustainable Development Goals, and International Labour Organization standards. These references strengthen their argument that the government's alleged actions are not only discriminatory but also a breach of its international obligations. The group's reference to President John Dramani Mahama's past pledge for a 5% employment quota further highlights the perceived inconsistency in government policy implementation.
The situation also reflects a broader concern about parliamentary oversight. The coalition expressed disappointment with Parliament, accusing both the Majority and Minority caucuses, as well as the Speaker's Office, of failing to act on their petitions. They argue that Parliament has not exercised its responsibility to ensure compliance with laws and policies promoting employment opportunities for persons with disabilities. This suggests a systemic issue beyond just the executive branch.
As of the time of reporting, neither the Ministry of Education nor the Ghana Education Service has publicly responded to the coalition's claims. Their silence could exacerbate tensions and reinforce the coalition's resolve to proceed with their planned protests. The coming week will be crucial in determining the government's response and the potential for a resolution to this escalating dispute over employment rights for persons with disabilities in Ghana.